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dove·tail

(dŭvtāl′)

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.

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dovetail

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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