The spelling of the word "dowel" follows the rules of English phonetics. The phonetic transcription of the word, /ˈdaʊəl/, illustrates the sounds that make up the word. The first syllable, "dow," is pronounced with the diphthong /aʊ/, which sounds like "ow" as in "cow." The second syllable, "el," is pronounced with the vowel sound /əl/, which sounds like the final syllable of "mammal." Together, these sounds make up the word "dowel," which refers to a cylinder-shaped piece of wood, metal, or plastic used to join two parts together.
A dowel is a cylindrical rod made of wood, metal, or plastic, typically used to reinforce or join two pieces of material together. It is a small and solid cylinder that is usually smooth and elongated, featuring a consistent diameter along its entire length.
In woodworking, dowels are employed as simple and effective devices to strengthen the joints between two boards. They are often used in cabinetry, furniture making, and carpentry to provide additional support and stability. Dowels in this context are generally made of wood and can be inserted into corresponding holes drilled into the connecting pieces, ensuring a secure and durable bond.
In mechanical engineering, dowels play a crucial role in aligning and holding machine parts or structures together. The dowel pins, most commonly made of metal or plastic, are used in combination with holes of matching diameter to prevent unnecessary shifting or misalignment. Dowel pins are popularly used in automotive, manufacturing, and construction industries.
The term "dowel" may also refer to a cylindrical pin, often made of iron or steel, used to mark or support precise measurements and alignment in construction or surveying. These dowels are accurately measured and installed to provide references or establish specific points during the construction process.
Overall, dowels are versatile devices that facilitate connection, reinforcement, alignment, and precision in various industries, making them an essential tool for achieving strong and reliable joints or measurements.
A pin for fastening together two pieces of stone or wood; in dentistry a peg for fastening an artificial crown to the natural root of a tooth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• A projection in a stone to fit into a socket, by which it may be fastened into the adjoining one; a peg of wood or iron used in the edge of a board for fastening it to another.
• To fit with dowels.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "dowel" originated from the Middle English term "doule" or "dowel", which dates back to the 14th century. It further evolved from the Old English word "dul", which means "hollow post" or "shaft". The exact origin of the word is uncertain, as some etymologists suggest it may have derived from an ancient Germanic source, while others propose a possible borrowing from Old Norse. Overall, the etymology of "dowel" indicates its long history and usage in carpentry and woodworking.