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dovetail - 4 dictionary results
Dovetail
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Dovetail Definition
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dove⋅tail

  [duhv-teyl]
Use dovetail in a Sentence
–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

Related forms:
dovetailer, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To dovetail
dove·tail   (dŭv'tāl')   


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n.  
  1. A fan-shaped tenon that forms a tight interlocking joint when fitted into a corresponding mortise.
  2. A joint formed by interlocking one or more such tenons and mortises.
v.   dove·tailed, dove·tail·ing, dove·tails

v.   tr.
  1. To cut into or join by means of dovetails.
  2. To connect or combine precisely or harmoniously.
v.   intr.
  1. To be joined together by means of dovetails.
  2. To combine or interlock into a unified whole: The nurses' schedules dovetailed, so that one was always on duty.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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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.
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Dovetail
Find The Dovetail Jigs & Templates You Need at Rockler. Buy Now!
www.Rockler.com
Highland Woodworking
Tools and jigs for joinery. Look at the Multi-Router for volume work.
www.highlandwoodworking.com