Related Searches
on Ask.com
Synonyms
dovetail - 4 dictionary results
dove⋅tail
[duhv-teyl]
–noun Carpentry.
| 1. | a tenon broader at its end than at its base; pin. |
| 2. | a joint formed of one or more such tenons fitting tightly within corresponding mortises. |
–verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
| 3. | Carpentry. to join or fit together by means of a dovetail or dovetails. |
| 4. | to join or fit together compactly or harmoniously. |
Origin:
1555–65; so named from its shape
1555–65; so named from its shape

Related forms:
dovetailer, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source
|
Link To dovetail
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Dovetail
Dove"tail`\, n. (Carp.) A flaring tenon, or tongue (shaped like a bird's tail spread), and a mortise, or socket, into which it fits tightly, making an interlocking joint between two pieces which resists pulling a part in all directions except one. Dovetail molding (Arch.), a molding of any convex section arranged in a sort of zigzag, like a series of dovetails. Dovetail saw (Carp.), a saw used in dovetailing.Dovetail
Dove"tail`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dovetailed; p. pr. & vb. n. Dovetailing.]1. (Carp.) (a) To cut to a dovetail. (b) To join by means of dovetails. 2. To fit in or connect strongly, skillfully, or nicely; to fit ingeniously or complexly. He put together a piece of joinery so crossly indented and whimsically dovetailed . . . that it was indeed a very curious show. --Burke.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
Cite This Source
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2009, Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.


