imbrication
Tiles layered systematically
Imbrication is the overlapping arrangement of elements like roof tiles or fish scales, where each piece partially covers the one below it.
The term appears in architecture, biology, and geology to describe this layered pattern: the imbrication of shingles on a Victorian roof, the imbrication of sedimentary deposits suggested ancient water flow.
The verb imbricate and adjective imbricated describe this same overlapping structure.
Overlapping roof cladding
- slatesFlat stone sheets
- tilesFlat covering pieces
- shinglingApplying overlapping roof coverings
- overlapPartial coincidence of coverage
courses · eaves · ridgeline · weatherproofing · weatherboarding · fishscale · terracotta · thatch
Thin overlapping skin plates
- pangolinScale-covered ant-eating mammal
- pineconeWoody seed-bearing structure
- artichokeEdible flower bud
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
keratin · armor · dermal · scutes · lamellae · mail · overlapping · protective
Covering part of another
- layeredHaving multiple levels
- staggeredShocked or unevenly spaced
- tessellationGapless plane coverage
- herringboneV-shaped diagonal weave
chevron · lattice · interlocking · mosaic · scalloped · repeating · decorative · geometric
Forming successive strata
- stratificationDivision into distinct levels
- superpositionCoexisting in multiple states
- sequencingDetermining element order
- hierarchyRanked authority structure
nesting · accumulation · interdependence · complexity · buildup · interrelation · structure · organization
Modified leaves near flowers
Study of crustal deformation
- subductionPlate descending beneath another
- orogenicOf mountain formation
- stackingPlacing items vertically
- crustalOf outer rock layer
compression · accretionary · wedge · deformation · foreland · allochthon
shingles
Overlapping roof cladding
overlap · courses · eaves · ridgeline · weatherproofing · weatherboarding · fishscale · terracotta · thatch · cladding
fish-scales
Thin overlapping skin plates
- pangolinScale-covered ant-eating mammal
- pineconeWoody seed-bearing structure
- artichokeEdible flower bud
feathers · keratin · armor · dermal · scutes · lamellae · mail · overlapping · protective · exoskeleton
overlapping
Covering part of another
- layeredHaving multiple levels
- staggeredShocked or unevenly spaced
- tessellationGapless plane coverage
herringbone · chevron · lattice · interlocking · mosaic · scalloped · repeating · decorative · geometric · sequential
layering
Forming successive strata
- stratificationDivision into distinct levels
- superpositionCoexisting in multiple states
- sequencingDetermining element order
hierarchy · nesting · accumulation · interdependence · complexity · buildup · interrelation · structure · organization · gradation
bracts
Modified leaves near flowers
tectonics
Study of crustal deformation
- subductionPlate descending beneath another
- orogenicOf mountain formation
- stackingPlacing items vertically
crustal · compression · accretionary · wedge · deformation · foreland · allochthon
imbricationbutt joint
Simple squared connection
edge-to-edge · abutment · juxtaposition · tessellation · tiling
imbricationrandomness
Lack of predictable pattern
disorder · irregularity · scatter · disarray · jumble