Mortise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mortise
[ˈmɔːrtɪs ]
Definitions
carpentry joint
A mortise is a cavity or hole cut into a piece of wood or other material to receive a tenon or other part of a joint. It is an essential component in woodworking, particularly in creating strong and durable joints between two pieces. Mortises can vary in size and shape depending on the project requirements. Typically, the tenon is inserted into the mortise to create a secure connection, providing stability to the structure.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The furniture design featured a beautiful mortise and tenon joint.
- He worked carefully to ensure the mortise was perfectly aligned.
- The carpenter used a chisel to carve out the mortise.
to cut joint
To mortise means to cut a mortise into a piece of wood or material. This process typically involves precision and skill, as the dimensions of the mortise must correspond to those of the tenon that will fit into it. Mortising can be done by hand with chisels or using specialized tools such as mortising machines. This technique is critical in traditional joinery where strong joints are required.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He will mortise the beam to attach it to the post.
- They decided to mortise the joints for added strength.
- The craftsman began to mortise the wood with great care.
Translations
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Origin of 'mortise'
The term 'mortise' originates from the Middle French word 'mortaise', which meant 'a notch in a piece of wood'. This word itself came from the Latin word 'morsus', meaning 'a bite', referring to how the joint receives the tenon like a bite into a piece. The use of mortises can be traced back to ancient woodworking practices, where craftsmen used this technique to create strong, interlocking joints in wooden structures. Throughout history, the mortise and tenon joint has been favored for its strength and durability, becoming a staple in both traditional and modern woodworking. As woodworking evolved, so did the techniques for creating mortises, with advancements leading to more precise and efficient methods.