dovetail

Meaning

Noun

1. The tail of a dove (family Columbidae); also, something having the shape of a dove's tail.
2. (attributive, often) 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.
3. (attributive, often) 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. A line resembling a dovetail joint (sense 2.1).

Verb

1. (transitive) To unite (components) with a dovetail (noun sense 2.1) or similar joint.
2. (figuratively, transitive) To combine or fit (things) together well.
3. (figuratively, transitive) To interweave (a number of algorithms or subprograms) so that they can be run more or less simultaneously.
4. (figuratively, transitive) To seamlessly move a melody from one instrument to another.
5. (figuratively, intransitive) Of several things: to combine or fit together well.
6. (intransitive) To adapt to something; to fit in.

Synonyms

dovetail joint

piece together

join

match

mesh

coordinate

mortise

screw

splice

swallowtail

xiphoid process

miter

engage

Translations

übereinstimmen

eingliedern

zusammenfügen

Schwalbenschwanz

einfügen

verzinken

encajar

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈdʌvteɪl/

Etymology

The noun is derived from dove + tail. The verb is derived from the noun.