DOVETAIL

dovetail, dovetail joint

(noun) a mortise joint formed by interlocking tenons and mortises

dovetail

(verb) fit together tightly, as if by means of a dovetail

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

dovetail (plural dovetails)

(woodworking) a type of joint where adjoining boards are fastened by interlocking fan-shaped cutouts

Synonym: culvertail

Verb

dovetail (third-person singular simple present dovetails, present participle dovetailing, simple past and past participle dovetailed)

(woodworking, transitive) to unite with a dovetail joint

(by extension) to fit together well

(ditransitive)

(ambitransitive)

(computing, transitive) to interweave a number of subprograms or algorithms so that they can be run more or less simultaneously

Coordinate terms

• finger joint

Anagrams

• violated

Source: Wiktionary

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Dove"tail`, n. (Carp.)

Definition: 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.

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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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