imbricated
Layered like scales
Imbricated describes things arranged in overlapping layers, like roof tiles or fish scales, where each piece partially covers the one below it.
The pattern appears throughout nature—in pinecones, artichoke leaves, and reptile skin—and in architecture, particularly roofing.
The imbricated shingles shed water efficiently.
The verb imbricate means to arrange in this overlapping fashion.
Overlapping roof cladding
- tilesFlat covering pieces
- roofingInstalling overhead shelter material
- claddingOuter protective layer
- sidingExterior wall covering
slate · thatch · facade · eaves · brickwork · masonry · stonework · terracotta
Plates or weighing devices
- fishGilled aquatic vertebrate
- pineconesConifer seed structures
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
- petalsColored bloom segments
reptile · pangolin · artichoke · palm · fern · seedpods · carapace · armadillo
Protective combat covering
- mailPostal system items
- scale armorOverlapping metal plate protection
- lamellarConsisting of thin layers
- brigandinePlate-lined cloth armor
shielding · plating · pangolin · tortoise · defense · covering · guard
Covered with thin plates
- ribbedWith raised parallel lines
- corrugatedFormed into parallel folds
- embossedHaving raised design
- groovedHaving linear indentations
patterned · serrated · herringbone · woven · fishscale · lapped · stepped · tiered
Partial coincidence of coverage
- layeringForming successive strata
- stackingPlacing items vertically
- arrangementOrdered configuration or agreement
- interlockingEngaging by overlap
superposition · sequencing · lamination · stratification · configuration · tessellation · nesting · shingling
shingles
Overlapping roof cladding
siding · slate · thatch · facade · eaves · brickwork · masonry · stonework · terracotta · shake
scales
Plates or weighing devices
petals · reptile · pangolin · artichoke · palm · fern · seedpods · carapace · armadillo · bracts
armor
Protective combat covering
- mailPostal system items
- scale armorOverlapping metal plate protection
- lamellarConsisting of thin layers
brigandine · shielding · plating · pangolin · tortoise · defense · covering · guard
scaly
Covered with thin plates
- ribbedWith raised parallel lines
- corrugatedFormed into parallel folds
- embossedHaving raised design
grooved · patterned · serrated · herringbone · woven · fishscale · lapped · stepped · tiered
overlap
Partial coincidence of coverage
- layeringForming successive strata
- stackingPlacing items vertically
- arrangementOrdered configuration or agreement
interlocking · superposition · sequencing · lamination · stratification · configuration · tessellation · nesting · shingling · abutment
imbricatedflush
Same suit, five cards
abutting · edge-to-edge · aligned · coplanar · flush-mounted