adjective
Common
embedded
ihm-BEH-dihd
Embedded (adjective) means Fixed firmly and deeply into a surrounding mass or structure. Example: “The fossil was embedded in a layer of soft rock beside the river.”
adjective
1
Fixed firmly and deeply into a surrounding mass or structure.
"The fossil was embedded in a layer of soft rock beside the river."
"A tiny shard of glass was embedded in his hand."
"The tradition is deeply embedded in local culture."
2
Built into a larger system, especially describing a computer component or software built into a device.
"Many washing machines have an embedded chip that controls the wash cycle."
"She works as an engineer designing embedded systems for medical devices."
"The car runs on embedded software that controls the engine."
How to use embedded
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFixed solidly inside something else, whether that's a physical object, a culture, or a piece of technology.
Common pairings
deeply embedded
embedded system
embedded in the code
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more embedded
- Superlative
- most embedded
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The fossil was _____ in a layer of soft rock beside the river.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for embedded
See all rhymes for embedded →Frequently asked questions
What does “embedded” mean?
The word “embedded” means fixed firmly and deeply into a surrounding mass or structure. In plain terms, fixed solidly inside something else, whether that's a physical object, a culture, or a piece of technology.
How do you pronounce “embedded”?
“Embedded” is pronounced ihm-BEH-dihd (/ɪmˈbɛdɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “embedded” in a sentence?
Here is “embedded” used in a sentence: “A tiny shard of glass was embedded in his hand.”
What part of speech is “embedded”?
“Embedded” is an adjective.
Is “embedded” a common word?
“Embedded” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “embedded” have?
“Embedded” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: fixed firmly and deeply into a surrounding mass or structure.
What is the difference between "embedded" and "imbedded"?
They are the same word with the same meaning; "embedded" is by far the more common spelling in modern English, while "imbedded" is an accepted but rare variant. Most style guides and dictionaries prefer "embedded."
What is the difference between "embedded" and "attached"?
Something "embedded" is fixed deeply within a surrounding mass or structure, so it is held on multiple sides, as with a splinter embedded in skin. Something "attached" is merely joined or fastened to the outside of another object and is usually easier to remove.
What is an "embedded" system in computing?
In computing, an embedded system is hardware or software built directly into a larger device to perform a dedicated function, such as an embedded processor in a washing machine or car. Such components are a fixed, integral part of the product rather than an add-on.
What words commonly go with "embedded"?
"Embedded" often appears in phrases like "deeply embedded," "embedded system," "embedded journalist," "embedded software," and "embedded in the culture." It usually describes something firmly set inside a larger whole.
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