tenon

noun

ten·on | \ ˈte-nən

Definition of tenon

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a projecting member in a piece of wood or other material for insertion into a mortise to make a joint — see dovetail illustration

tenon

verb

tenoned; tenoning; tenons

Definition of tenon (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to unite by a tenon

2 : to cut or fit for insertion in a mortise

Examples of tenon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The thick perimeter pieces and crosspieces were joined with interlocking mortise and tenon joints. — Washington Post, "This is what happens when someone slaps veneer on a century-old wood door," 17 June 2019 The structure was built using mortise and tenon, with pegs for extra strength-- a technique lost in the following century. — Adele Foster, NOLA.com, "Mandeville Bible Church, established in 1876, breathes history on Carroll Street," 16 July 2017

History and Etymology for tenon

Noun

Middle English tenoun, tenowne, borrowed from Anglo-French tenoun, from tenir "to hold" + -on, suffix of agent or instrument, going back to Latin -ōn-, -ō, suffix of nouns denoting persons with a prominent feature — more at tenant entry 1

Verb

derivative of tenon entry 1

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More Definitions for tenon

tenon

noun

English Language Learners Definition of tenon

technical : an end of a piece of wood that is cut into a special shape to fit into a hole (called a mortise) in another piece of wood and form a strong joint

See the full definition for tenon in the English Language Learners Dictionary

tenon

Definition of tenon

Examples of tenon in a Sentence

First Known Use of tenon

History and Etymology for tenon

English Language Learners Definition of tenon

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