dovetail
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dove·tail
(dŭv′tāl′)n.
1. A fan-shaped tenon that forms a tight interlocking joint when fitted into a corresponding mortise.
2. A joint formed by interlocking one or more such tenons and mortises.
v. dove·tailed, dove·tail·ing, dove·tails
v.tr.
1. To cut into or join by means of dovetails.
2. To connect or combine precisely or harmoniously.
v.intr.
1. To be joined together by means of dovetails.
2. To combine or interlock into a unified whole: The nurses' schedules dovetailed, so that one was always on duty.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
dovetail
(ˈdʌvˌteɪl)n
1. (Building) a wedge-shaped tenon
2. (Building) Also called: dovetail joint a joint containing such tenons
vb
3. (Building) (tr) to join by means of dovetails
4. to fit or cause to fit together closely or neatly: he dovetailed his arguments to the desired conclusion.
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
dove•tail
(ˈdʌvˌteɪl)n.
1. a tenon broader at its end than at its base; pin.
2. a joint formed of one or more such tenons fitting tightly within corresponding mortises.
v.t., v.i. 3. to join or fit together by means of a dovetail or dovetails.
4. to join or fit together compactly or harmoniously.
[1555–65; so named from its shape]
dove′tail`er, n.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
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| Noun | 1. |  dovetail - a mortise joint formed by interlocking tenons and mortisesmortise-and-tenon joint, mortise joint - a joint made by inserting tenon on one piece into mortise holes in the other |
| Verb | 1. | dovetail - fit together tightly, as if by means of a dovetail fit - make fit; "fit a dress"; "He fitted other pieces of paper to his cut-out" |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
dovetail
verb
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
dovetail
verbTo conform to another, especially in size and shape:
fit.
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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dovetail
[ˈdʌvteɪl]Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005