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Dovetail: meaning, definitions and examples

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dovetail

 

[ หˆdสŒv.teษชl ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

joining pieces

To dovetail means to fit together tightly or to combine harmoniously. This term is often used in woodworking, where joints are fashioned to interlock, but it can also refer to the way ideas or schedules can align seamlessly.

Synonyms

coordinate, fit, interlock, merge

Examples of usage

  • The project plans dovetail with the company's goals.
  • Her schedule dovetails perfectly with mine, allowing us to collaborate.
  • The two theories dovetail wonderfully, creating new insights.
Context #2 | Noun

woodworking joint

A dovetail is a type of joint used in woodworking that connects two pieces of material, typically at right angles, through interlocking shapes. The design fuses strength with aesthetics, making it a popular choice for furniture and cabinetry.

Synonyms

connection, joint, link

Examples of usage

  • The cabinet features a beautiful dovetail joint.
  • Craftsmen often admire the skill required to create perfect dovetails.
  • Dovetail joints are known for their durability.

Translations

Translations of the word "dovetail" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น encaixe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเฅ‹เคฒเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schwalbenschwanz

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sambungan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปะฐัั‚ั–ะฒั‡ะธะฝะฐ ั…ะฒะพัั‚ะธะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zล‚ฤ…czenie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใปใžๆŽฅใŽ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tenon

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ macho

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dovetail

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋งž๋ฌผ๋ฆผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุฏุงุฎู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kolรญkovรฝ spoj

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ pero

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็‡•ๅฐพๆŽฅๅคด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zamaลกek

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fugur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถาฑะฟั‚ะฐััƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒ•แƒ˜แƒฌแƒงแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dovetail

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ dovetail

Etymology

The term 'dovetail' originates from the Old French word 'doit' meaning 'to fit' combined with 'tail,' referring to the tail-like projections on the joinery. Its earliest use in English dates back to the late 15th century, initially describing a joint that resembled a dove's tail in shape. Over time, the term extended beyond woodworking to describe any harmonious connection or fitting together of parts, particularly in contexts like scheduling or ideas. The imagery of closely fitting pieces reflects the precision and care associated with both craftsmanship and collaborative efforts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,801, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.