Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cylindrical pin or peg: A "dowel" is a solid cylindrical rod, typically made of wood, metal, or plastic, used as a fastener or locating device.
   • A fastener for joining materials: Specifically, a "dowel" is inserted into matching holes drilled in two adjacent pieces to hold them together securely and align them accurately.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The carpenter used wooden dowels to reinforce the joint in the table.
  • For a strong, invisible connection, drill a hole and glue in a dowel.
  • The metal dowel ensured the two parts of the machine were perfectly aligned.

Advanced Usage

• "Dowel joint": A type of joint made by using one or more dowels.

  • A dowel joint is often stronger than a simple butt joint.

• "Dowel pin": Another term for a dowel, emphasizing its function as a pin.

  • The mechanism is secured with a steel dowel pin.

Variants and Related Words

• Doweled (adj): Describing something joined or reinforced with dowels.

  • The doweled bookshelf is very sturdy.

• Doweling (n): The process or technique of using dowels; also refers to dowel rods as a material.

  • He bought a length of oak doweling for his project.

Synonyms

• Pin: A short, rigid piece of wire or metal.
• Peg: A small cylindrical or tapered pin used to fasten parts together.
• Tenon: A projection on the end of a piece of wood for insertion into a mortise (a related but distinct joining method).

Related Phrases

• "To dowel" (verb, less common): The act of fastening with a dowel.
  • You need to dowel these boards before gluing them.

Noun

1. a fastener that is inserted into holes in two adjacent pieces and holds them together