dove|tail

dove|tail «DUHV _TAYL», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a projection at the end of a piece of wood, metal, or plastic, that can be fitted into a corresponding opening at the end of another piece to form a joint.

2. the joint formed in this way.

–v.t.

1. to fasten, join, or fit together with dovetails.

2. Figurative. to join compactly or harmoniously: »

The plan…would dovetail limitations on nuclear weapons with cutbacks in conventional arms (Wall Street Journal).

–v.i.

1. to fit together exactly: »

The various pieces of evidence dovetailed so completely that the mystery was solved at once.

2. Figurative. to fit compactly or harmoniously.