First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1tenon
noun ten·on \ˈte-nən\
: 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
Full Definition of TENON
: a projecting member in a piece of wood or other material for insertion into a mortise to make a joint — see dovetail illustration
See tenon defined for English-language learners
See tenon defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TENON
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from tenir to hold — more at tenable
2tenon
transitive verb
Definition of TENON
1
: to unite by a tenon
2
: to cut or fit for insertion in a mortise
First Known Use of TENON
1596
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up tenon? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).