I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
: something (as a flaring tenon, tongue, or machine part) felt to resemble a dove's tail in shape
cutting dovetails in the end of a timber
especially : dovetail joint
[s]dovetail.jpg[/s] [
dovetail: 1 mortises, 2 tenons, 3 joint
]
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
1.
a. : to join (as timbers) by means of dovetails
b. : to cut to a dovetail or into dovetails
dovetailing the end of the board with a special device
2.
a. : to fit, connect, or combine skillfully or exactly to form a continuous or harmonious whole : fit ingeniously or precisely
the manner in which he dovetails his investigations into their sociological framework is unique — New Statesman & Nation
b. : to fit together with : interlock with
my discoveries dovetail those made by others
intransitive verb
: to fit together into a unified or coordinated whole
the way the laws of chemistry and physics dovetail
corn growing and hog raising dovetail into a practical efficient enterprise in parts of the Middle West