Meaning & use
Onlay
Last updated
A piece of material, especially a dental restoration or decorative material, fixed onto the surface of something rather than set into it.
See it in a sentence
The dentist recommended an onlay instead of a full crown to preserve more of the natural tooth.
The furniture maker added a decorative wooden onlay to the tabletop.
A note on using this word
Unlike an inlay, which fits within a cavity, an onlay covers part of the surface from above, making it a less invasive dental option.
Words with an opposite meaning
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “Onlay”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.