bevel

[bev-uhl]

noun

1. the inclination that one line or surface makes with another when not at right angles.

2. a surface that does not form a right angle with adjacent surfaces.

3. (of a lock bolt) the oblique end that hits the strike plate.

4. (of a lock with a beveled bolt) the side facing in the same direction as the bevel at the end of the bolt.

5. bevel square.

6. an adjustable instrument for drawing angles or adjusting the surface of work to a particular inclination.

7. Printing.,  beard.

verb (used with or without object)

beveled, beveling , bevelled, bevelling .

1. to cut or slant at a bevel.

   to bevel an edge to prevent splintering.

adjective

1. Also beveled; bevelled. oblique; sloping; slanted.

bevel

/ ˈbɛvəl /

noun

1. 1. Also called: cant. a surface that meets another at an angle other than a right angle Compare chamfer

   2. ( as modifier )

      a bevel edge

      bevel square

verb

1. (intr) to be inclined; slope

2. (tr) to cut a bevel on (a piece of timber, etc)

Other Word Forms

• beveler noun
• unbeveled adjective
• underbeveling noun
• bevelled adjective
• beveller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bevel¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from unattested Middle French bevel ( French béveau, biveau ), unattested Old French baivel, equivalent to baïf “with open mouth” ( ba(er) “to gape” ( bay ² ) + -if adjective suffix) + -el, from Latin -ellus noun suffix; -ive, -elle

Word History and Origins

Origin of bevel¹

C16: from Old French bevel (unattested), from baïf , from baer to gape; see _bay ¹

Example Sentences

Their beveled corners are polished to a high glossy sheen, which creates slender vertical stripes that contrast sharply with the charcoal shadows from which they emerge.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This flat piece will have beveled edges and it will be secured to the roof ridge board.

Read more on Seattle Times

Often, the city’s answer is a temporary bevel and shim fix — either grinding down edges on cracked sidewalks or adding a small amount of asphalt to bridge the gaps.

Read more on Seattle Times

“I wanted to keep the planters very linear, without any beveling on the edges, and that informed my material choice,” she says.

Read more on Seattle Times

A St. Patrick’s Day decoration hung on the other side of the beveled glass door as I buzzed the receptionist.

Read more on Los Angeles Times