Definition

1. Noun:
   • A notch, mortise, or recess cut into a piece of wood or material: "ngàm" specifically refers to the prepared end of a wooden piece that has been carved or cut to form a notch or recess, designed to interlock precisely with a corresponding part (a tenon or another notch) on another piece.
   • (Technical) A catch or pawl mechanism: In a technical/mechanical context, "ngàm" can refer to a component like a ratchet or detent that locks or engages with another part to prevent backward motion.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Người thợ mộc đẽo cẩn thận cái ngàm trên thanh xà. (The carpenter carefully carved the mortise on the beam.)
  • Hai thanh gỗ được nối với nhau bằng ngàm và mộng rất chắc chắn. (The two wooden pieces are joined together very firmly by a mortise and tenon.)
  • Bộ phận ngàm trong cơ cấu này giữ cho bánh xe không quay ngược lại. (The ratchet/pawl mechanism in this assembly prevents the wheel from turning backwards.)

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Engineering Context: The term is used in carpentry, joinery, and mechanics to describe precise interlocking joints or locking devices.
  • Thiết kế sử dụng nhiều kiểu ngàm khác nhau để tăng độ ổn định. (The design uses various types of interlocking joints to increase stability.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mộng (n): Tenon. The projecting part designed to fit into a "ngàm" (mortise).
• Khớp ngàm (n): Mortise-and-tenon joint.
• Sự ăn khớp (n): The state of fitting or interlocking precisely.

Synonyms

• Khấc (n): Notch, groove. (A more general term for a cut or indentation.)
• Rãnh (n): Groove, slot. (Often a linear cut, not necessarily for interlocking.)
• Bộ phận khóa (n): Locking component/device. (In a mechanical sense.)

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Làm ngàm: To cut/form a mortise or notch.
  • Công đoạn khó nhất là làm ngàm cho thật chính xác. (The most difficult step is cutting the mortise very accurately.)
• Ăn ngàm: To fit into a mortise, to interlock.
  • Phần mộng phải ăn ngàm một cách hoàn hảo. (The tenon must fit into the mortise perfectly.)

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