What is imbricated?

Imbricated refers to something that is arranged in overlapping layers, like tiles on a roof or feathers on a bird. The term can also be used to describe the way scales or leaves are positioned on a plant or animal. Imbrication is a common feature in natural patterns, such as in the formation of shells or in the tiling of a turtle's shell. The word imbrication comes from the Latin imbricatus, which means "covered with tiles."