How Do You Spell MORTICE LOCK?

Pronunciation: [mˈɔːtɪs lˈɒk] (IPA)

The spelling of "mortice lock" may seem confusing at first glance, but its origin lies in its British English roots. The word "mortice" is pronounced /ˈmɔː.tɪs/ in IPA phonetics, with a silent "e" at the end. This spelling reflects the original Old French word "mortaise," which means "a hole for a tenon." When paired with "lock," the resulting combination represents a type of lock that is inserted into a mortice in a door or frame. While the spelling may vary between American and British English, the pronunciation remains the same.

MORTICE LOCK Meaning and Definition

1. A mortice lock is a type of mechanical lock commonly used to secure doors or other entryways. It consists of several components that are recessed or mortised into the door, hence the name "mortice" lock.

   The main parts of a mortice lock include the lock body, which contains the mechanism, as well as the lock case, bolt, and keyhole. The lock body is typically made of solid metal and is installed within a prepared cavity or pocket (mortice) in the edge or face of the door. The lock case is the housing that contains the bolt mechanism, providing security by engaging with the strike plate or receptor on the door frame. The bolt is a solid metal piece that extends from the lock case into the strike plate to prevent the door from opening.

   To operate a mortice lock, a key or other unlocking device is inserted into the keyhole. This engages the internal mechanism, allowing the bolt to retract and the door to be opened. When the door is closed, the bolt is extended, ensuring the door remains securely locked.

   Mortice locks are commonly found in residential and commercial buildings as they provide enhanced security compared to simpler locks like rim locks or padlocks. They are known for their durability and reliability. In addition to their security benefits, mortice locks can also be aesthetically pleasing as much of their mechanism is concealed within the door, leaving only the keyhole and occasionally a handle visible.

Common Misspellings for MORTICE LOCK

• nortice lock
• kortice lock
• jortice lock
• mirtice lock
• mkrtice lock
• mlrtice lock
• mprtice lock
• m0rtice lock
• m9rtice lock
• moetice lock
• modtice lock
• moftice lock
• mottice lock
• mo5tice lock
• mo4tice lock
• morrice lock
• morfice lock
• morgice lock
• moryice lock
• mor6ice lock

Etymology of MORTICE LOCK

The term "mortice lock" originates from the word "mortise", which comes from the Old French word "mortaise" meaning "hole" or "mortise". In turn, the Old French word can be traced back to the Latin word "morsus", meaning “bite” or “grip.” The use of the term "mortise" in relation to a lock refers to the recess or hole that is created to accommodate the lock's mechanism within a door or a piece of furniture. The "lock" component of the term is self-explanatory, referring to the mechanism securing the door or furniture. Therefore, a "mortise lock" is a type of lock that is fitted into a mortise or recess within a door or furniture.