mortise Hear it!

mortise Definition

mor·tise (môrtis)

noun

a hole or recess cut, as in a piece of wood, to receive a projecting part (tenon) shaped to fit into it, or to receive a lock

Etymology: ME mortays < MFr mortaise, a mortise < Ar murtazza, joined, fixed in

transitive verb -·tised, -·tis·ing

  1. to join or fasten securely, esp. with a mortise and tenon
  2. to cut a mortise in

mortise Usage Examples

Object

  • fencing: This method has to be used for mortised fencing.
  • rail: The fence is made of split chestnut, with the lower rail mortised into the ' godfathers ' , and the upper rails nailed.
  • post: Round stakes do not give sufficient surface for nailing, although they can be used for mortised posts.

Converse of object

  • use: The structure proved to be complex and carefully fabricated using the mortise and tenon technique.
  • cut: That way you don't cut mortises in the wrong edge.
  • have: Each board securely rested in two sockets of silver, having mortises into which the tenons of the boards entered.

Adjective modifier

  • traditional: For instance, the timbers are jointed together using traditional mortise and tenon joints, dowel pegs, copper nails and brass screws.

Preposition: into

  • frame: Two curved wooden cross-bars are mortised into the frame at the toe and heel.

Modifies a noun

  • deadlock: Protected by a 5-lever mortise deadlock or 2 key operated security bolts on all other external doors.
  • lock: However, a mortise lock should also always be present on the door for security.
  • joint: At the bow are 3 vertical mortise joints which may have been to take an end piece or stempost.
  • bolt: French doors ( image below ) should be fitted with security mortise locks and mortise bolts to the top and bottom of both doors.
  • hole: Four vertical corner posts were then fitted into large square mortise holes cut through the intersecting base plates.

Noun used with modifier

  • ankle: Mechanical instability is abnormal movement of the talus within the ankle mortise, usually demonstrated on stress radiography.
  • lever: A five lever mortise lock conforming to British Standard 3621 should be used.

Browse dictionary entries near mortise

  1. Mortimer
  2. mortify
  3. mortification
  4. mortician
  5. mortice
  6. mortgagor
  7. mortgagee
  8. mortgaged
  9. Mortgage REIT
  10. mortgage insurance
  1. mortmain
  2. Morton
  3. mortuary
  4. morula
  5. mos
  6. mosaic
  7. mosaic gold
  8. mosaic image
  9. Mosaic law
  10. mosaicism