Definition of "intercalate" in English

verb

1. To insert an extra leap day into a calendar in order to maintain synchrony with natural phenomena.

2. To insert an extra month into a calendar for the same purpose, such as for the Hebrew calendar.

3. (molecular biology) To insert a substance between two or more molecules, bases, cells, or tissues.

4. To insert anything somewhere (especially between other things), such as an affix into a word. (Compare interpolate.)

noun

1. (often used attributively) An atom or molecule, or a substance, that enters between the layers of the crystal lattice of another substance, especially that of graphite.

2. A compound formed by foreign atoms or molecules entering between the layers of a crystal lattice, especially that of graphite.