Mortice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mortice
[ˈmɔː.tɪs ]
Definition
furniture making
A mortice is a hole or recess cut into a piece of wood or other material, designed to receive a corresponding part, such as the tenon of a joint. This technique is commonly employed in carpentry and cabinetry, enabling strong, precise joints between pieces of wood. Mortices are integral for creating furniture and structures that can endure stress and weight. The term can also refer to the broader jointing method used in woodworking.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The carpenter cut a mortice to fit the tenon of the table leg.
- Using a chisel, he created a neat mortice for the door hinge.
- The mortice joint provided extra stability to the shelf.
- She learned to create mortices for her woodworking projects.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- Morticing dates back to ancient woodworking, with evidence found in Egyptian furniture from over 3,000 years ago.
- Furniture from the Middle Ages often incorporated mortice joints, showcasing its long-lasting importance in structural integrity.
- Traditional Japanese carpentry, known for its intricate wood joints, frequently utilizes mortices to achieve remarkable strength without nails.
Craftsmanship
- Mortice joints are one of the strongest types of joints used in woodworking, providing durability for items like door frames and cabinets.
- Modern furniture designers often combine mortice joints with other techniques to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
- The precision of creating a mortice requires skill, and the use of tools like chisels and routers can greatly affect the outcome.
Architecture
- Mortice joints play a key role in timber framing, a construction method that has been used for centuries in building houses and barns.
- Sustainable architecture often adopts traditional joinery techniques, including morticing, to construct eco-friendly wooden buildings.
- The appearance of mortice joints can be enhanced by decorative craftsmanship, adding both beauty and strength to wooden structures.
Pop Culture
- In various woodworking shows and competitions, the skill of perfecting a mortice joint is often a key challenge for contestants.
- The concept of joinery, including mortices, is sometimes featured in DIY home improvement TV shows, inspiring viewers to explore woodworking.
- Mortice locks, which are complex locking mechanisms using these joints, often portray security and craftsmanship in crime films or mysteries.
Origin of 'mortice'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'mortice' comes from the Latin word 'morsus', which means 'a bite', referring to how one piece fits snugly into another.
- In French, the term 'mortaise' is used which also refers to the same concept of creating a recess into which a tenon fits.
- The spelling 'mortise' (American English) and 'mortice' (British English) highlights how language evolves in different cultures.
The word 'mortice' has its roots in Middle English, derived from the Old French term 'mortaise', which itself originates from the Latin word 'morsus', meaning 'a bite' or 'a notch'. This etymology signifies the action of cutting or creating an indentation, which aligns with the contemporary meaning of the term in woodworking. Over the centuries, the mortice has been a fundamental technique in construction and furniture making, allowing for the creation of durable and aesthetically pleasing joints. The use of mortices can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where skilled craftsmen devised methods to fit pieces of wood together without the need for nails or screws, emphasizing both strength and beauty in their works. The mortice-jointing system has evolved, remaining a cornerstone in traditional woodworking practices while also influencing modern techniques.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #38,039, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.