Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Dovetail

Dove′tailˊ

,
Noun.
(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.

Dove′tailˊ

,
Verb.
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.

Definition 2024

dovetail

dovetail

English

A dovetail joint.

Noun

dovetail ‎(plural dovetails)

  1. (woodworking) A type of joint where adjoining boards are fastened by interlocking fan-shaped cutouts.
    • 1944, Popular Science, Vol. 144, Nº 4, page 151
      DOVETAIL joints, well known for their strength, have long been used in fine cabinet work. Nowadays they are frequently displaced by other types of joints that are easier to make with power tools, but where a self-locking joint is needed for use ...

Translations

Verb

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

  1. (woodworking) To unite with a dovetail joint.
  2. (by extension) To fit together well.
    • 1988, Frank S. Kessel, The Development of Language and Language Researchers: Essays in Honor of Roger Brown, Psychology Press (ISBN 9780805800630), page 299
      I felt that through the combined study of psychology and linguistics I would find out how children learned language, and that I would be able to dovetail this knowledge into my business career in Japan. The first course I took in the area of  ...
    The parts of your essay should dovetail so that it is cohesive and coherent.

Translations

Coordinate terms

Anagrams

Etymology

dove +‎ tail

Similar Results