Mortice: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

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.

• ...
• 38036 quaintest
• 38037 cotillion
• 38038 meekest
• 38039 mortice
• 38040 fathoming
• 38041 slavering
• 38042 voluptuously
• ...