tenon

[ ten-uhn ]

noun

1. a projection formed on the end of a timber or the like for insertion into a mortise of the same dimensions.

verb (used with object)

1. to provide with a tenon.
2. to join by or as by a tenon.
3. to join securely.

tenon

/ ˈtɛnən /

noun

1. the projecting end of a piece of wood formed to fit into a corresponding mortise in another piece

verb

1. to form a tenon on (a piece of wood)
2. to join with a tenon and mortise

Derived Forms

• ˈtenoner, noun

Other Words From

• tenon·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenon¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French, equivalent to ten ( ir ) to hold (< Latin tenēre ) + -on noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenon¹

C15: from Old French, from tenir to hold, from Latin tenēre

Example Sentences

The supporting standard is constructed of oak, with mortise-and-tenon joints, as shown in Fig. 4.

From Project Gutenberg

The glue must be applied immediately after the tenon is removed from the water, and then inserted in the mortise.

From Project Gutenberg

The end of the tenon and the mortise is then covered with a piece of metal, fastened with screws as shown.

From Project Gutenberg

The tenon is one hole in length, and the head of the standard one hole and a half in length.

From Project Gutenberg

A bridle joint is often defined as the reverse of a mortise and tenon, and is chiefly used in the carpentry and joinery trades.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• coincide
• conform
• correspond
• harmonize
• jibe