mortise

[/ˈmɔːr.tɪs/]
noun/verbpl: mortises
encaixe; mortaise; espaço de encaixe
1. A rectangular cavity or slot cut into a piece of wood, stone, or metal to receive a corresponding projection (tenon) for joining two pieces together
The carpenter carefully chiseled the mortise to ensure a perfect fit with the tenon.
O carpinteiro entalhou cuidadosamente o encaixe para garantir um ajuste perfeito com a espiga.
2. To cut or make a mortise in something
You need to mortise the frame before assembling the door.
Você precisa fazer o encaixe no quadro antes de montar a porta.
3. A lock mechanism designed to be installed in a mortise cut into a door or frame
The antique door features a brass mortise lock.
A porta antiga possui uma fechadura de encaixe em latão.
Mortise and tenon joinery is a classical woodworking technique with deep historical roots in both American and Brazilian furniture making traditions. This carpentry method remains highly respected in traditional craftsmanship, particularly in restoration work and high-end furniture production. In Brazil, the term 'encaixe de espiga e mortaise' is the standard technical terminology used in woodworking guilds and formal carpentry training.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
cavityslotjointnotchdado

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
encaixe; mortaise
Most common terms in Brazilian Portuguese for both the cavity and the joinery technique
São Paulo
encaixe de espiga
Often used with 'espiga' (tenon) to describe the complete joint
Portugal
mortaja; encaixe
Portuguese tends to use 'mortaja' for the cavity and 'encaixe' for the joint assembly
Technical/Carpentry
mortaise
Direct borrowing from French, used in technical and woodworking contexts across Portuguese-speaking regions

Related Words

tenonjoinerycarpentrywoodworkingchiseldovetail

Related Idioms & Phrases

mortise and tenon joint - the traditional woodworking technique combining both elements
cut a mortise - to create the cavity for joining
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