Embedded
/ɪmˈbedɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo fix firmly and deeply in a surrounding mass; to incorporate or include as an essential part.
/ɪmˈbed/
To enclose or set firmly in a surrounding mass.
The shrapnel was embedded in his leg.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a cake and you put chocolate chips IN the batter. Embedded is like that – something is completely surrounded and held within something else, making it a part of that thing.
👶 For kids: To put something inside something else so it's stuck there.
More Examples
The article embedded the concept of sustainability into the company's core values.
He embedded the video in his blog post.
How It's Used
"The software is embedded within the hardware."
"The journalist was embedded with the military unit."
"The diamond was embedded in the ring."
Firmly fixed or lodged in a surrounding mass or structure; incorporated as an integral part.
/ɪmˈbedɪd/
Inserted as an integral part.
The embedded software controls the car's engine.
💡 Simply: When something is 'embedded,' it's like a secret ingredient in a recipe that's completely part of the final dish. For example, code inside your phone or a design on a piece of furniture.
👶 For kids: Stuck inside something else.
More Examples
Embedded data revealed a hidden pattern.
The embedded design of the stone was beautiful.
How It's Used
"Embedded systems are used in many modern devices."
"The embedded design on the surface of the wood added a nice touch."
From Middle English *embreden*, from Old English *embredan* ('to embed, enclose'), from *in* ('in') + *bredan* ('to braid, weave'). Related to 'bread'.
The verb form 'embed' and its past participle 'embedded' gained prominence in the mid-20th century with the rise of electronics and systems engineering, and later in journalism, particularly during conflicts.
Memory tip
Think of a seed EMBEDDED in soil, becoming part of it.