The spelling of the word "Intercalated" is often confusing due to its multiple syllables and use of several consonants in a row. The IPA phonetic transcription can help clarify this issue. The word is pronounced as /ɪn.təˈkeɪ.leɪ.tɪd/, which breaks down the word into its individual sounds. The stress falls on the third syllable, with the "in" sound pronounced as "ih-n" and the "cal" sound pronounced as "kuh-l." The final "ed" sound is a separate syllable and pronounced as "ihd."
Intercalated is an adjective that describes something that is inserted or placed between other things or elements. It is derived from the verb "intercalate," which means to insert or introduce something at regular or irregular intervals.
In the context of time measurement, intercalated refers to the addition of extra days, months, or years to a calendar system in order to synchronize it with the solar year and correct any discrepancies. This term is commonly used when referring to the intercalation of a leap year, where an extra day, February 29th, is added to the calendar every four years.
In the field of chemistry, intercalated describes the insertion of a molecule or ion into a layered structure, such as a crystal lattice. This process alters the properties of the material by changing its structure or creating new types of chemical bonds. Examples of intercalation include the insertion of lithium ions into the layers of graphite in lithium-ion batteries or the insertion of DNA molecules between the base pairs of a DNA double helix.
Intercalated can also refer to the insertion of additional information or content within an existing text or document. This may involve adding explanatory or supplementary material in the form of footnotes, annotations, or inserted pages.
Overall, intercalated implies the act of inserting or adding something into an existing structure, system, or context, often with the aim of improving or correcting it.
Interposed, inserted between two others.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Interposed; placed between.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "intercalated" comes from the Latin word "intercalatus", which is the past participle of the verb "intercalare". "Intercalare" is a combination of the prefix "inter-", meaning "between", and the verb "calare", meaning "to insert" or "to proclaim".
In the Roman calendar, an intercalary month, known as "mensis intercalaris", was occasionally inserted to align the lunar and solar calendars. Therefore, "intercalatus" originally referred to the act of inserting an intercalary month, and over time, its usage expanded to include other contexts of inserting or adding something into an existing sequence or order.
The term "intercalated" is now commonly used to describe the insertion of additional items, events, or academic programs into an existing structure or timetable.