dovetail

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   The tail of a dove (family Columbidae)

   The tail of a dove (family Columbidae); also, something having the shape of a dove's tail.

2. 2

   In full dovetail joint

   In full dovetail joint: a type of joint where adjoining components are fastened by multiple tenons cut into wedge shapes resembling a dove's tail, which interlock with mortises having corresponding shapes.

   • [T]heſe muſt be joined at Bottom to the Piles by a ſtrong Dove-tail, and the Piles joined vvith Braces; […]
   • With a warding file cut a dovetail on each of the ends to be joined, as shown by Fig. 1.
   • After marking out the pins on the drawer sides, we proceed with the next operation, that is, sawing the dovetails ready for chopping out the waste material.
3. 3

   A tenon cut into a wedge shape resembling a dove's tail so that it interlocks with a…

   A tenon cut into a wedge shape resembling a dove's tail so that it interlocks with a mortise having a corresponding shape in a dovetail joint.

4. ›+ 7 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      A line resembling a dovetail joint (sense 2.1).

      • I ſhall add other tvvo Forms of Lines, […] The firſt of theſe tvvo is termed Patee, or Dove-Tail, from a Form of Art uſed by Joiners, vvho make Joints one into the other by that Name: […]
      • ASSEMBLEE, [in Heraldry,] a Dovetail or more to hold the tvvo Parts of the Eſcutcheon together, vvhere the Partition Line is, being countercharged, is ſome of the Metal and ſome of the Colour of the Eſcutcheon.
      • The ninth is Quarterly per Pale dovetail, Ruby and Topaz; born by the Right Hon. Thomas Bromley, Lord Montfort, &c.
   2. 5

      To unite (components) with a dovetail (noun sense 2.1) or similar joint.

      • [T]heſe Piles ought to be placed contrary to the Stillings, vvhich ſurround or croſs them every three Feet, and Dove-tail'd into the ſquare Supporters; […]
   3. 6

      To combine or fit (things) together well.

      • The executive board dovetailed its decision neatly with the prior projects the company had taken up.
      • Through my new project, I dovetail my interests in botany and programming.
      • Close contacts are also maintained between the chief operating officers of the railways and the movement and transport officers of the Service departments to dovetail railway transport into the schemes of the fighting forces.
   4. 7

      To interweave (a number of algorithms or subprograms) so that they can be run more or…

      To interweave (a number of algorithms or subprograms) so that they can be run more or less simultaneously.

   5. 8

      To seamlessly move a melody from one instrument to another.

   6. 9

      Of several things

      Of several things: to combine or fit together well.

      • The parts of your essay should dovetail so that it is cohesive and coherent.
      • The task now facing Mr Crook and his team in the multi-disciplinary programme is sequencing the works going forward, to ensure track, signalling, station works and overhead line installations dovetail together.
   7. 10

      To adapt to something

      To adapt to something; to fit in.

The neighborhood

• neighborfinger joint
• neighborjoin