tenon

Definition

A projecting piece of wood made to be inserted into a corresponding slot (mortise) in another piece to form a secure joint.

Etymology

The word stems from the Old French 'tenon', derived from the verb 'tenir', meaning 'to hold'. It evolved into English to describe the piece that holds or joins two structural elements together.

In the news

The article uses the term to explain traditional Chinese timber-frame construction, where mortise-and-tenon joints provide structural integrity to ancient wooden buildings. It highlights how these precise engineering techniques are essential to understanding the stability of historic architecture.

Ancient craftsmanship meets modern creators

chinadailyasia.com

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