dovetail

- 2 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

Related forms:

dovetailer, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source

dove·tail (dŭv'tāl')

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n.

A fan-shaped tenon that forms a tight interlocking joint when fitted into a corresponding mortise.
A joint formed by interlocking one or more such tenons and mortises.

v. dove·tailed, dove·tail·ing, dove·tails

v. tr.

v. intr.

To be joined together by means of dovetails.
To combine or interlock into a unified whole: The nurses' schedules dovetailed, so that one was always on duty.

Search another word or see dovetail on Thesaurus | Reference

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