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1

dovetail

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noun dove·tail \ˈdəv-ˌtāl\

Simple Definition of dovetail

  • : a type of joint that is used to connect two pieces of wood together

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of dovetail

  1. :  something resembling a dove's tail; especially :  a flaring tenon and a mortise into which it fits tightly making an interlocking joint between two pieces (as of wood)

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Illustration of dovetail

1573

First Known Use of dovetail

1573

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

2

dovetail

verb dove·tail

Simple Definition of dovetail

  • : to join (two pieces of wood) with dovetail joints

  • : to fit together in a pleasing or satisfying way

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of dovetail

  1. transitive verb

  2. 1 a :  to join by means of dovetails b :  to cut to a dovetail

  3. 2 a :  to fit skillfully to form a whole b :  to fit together with

  4. intransitive verb

  5. :  to fit together into a whole

See dovetail defined for English-language learners



Examples of dovetail in a sentence

  1. <the Union and the Confederate accounts of the battle don't dovetail at all>



Circa 1656

First Known Use of dovetail

circa 1656

dovetail Synonyms

Synonyms
accord, agree, answer
Antonyms
differ (from), disagree (with)

Learn More about dovetail

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dovetail Spanish Central: Translation of dovetail Nglish: Translation of dovetail for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of dovetail for Arabic speakers

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Examples: dovetail in a sentence