A joint formed when a tenon (a projecting piece of wood) is fitted into a notch, hole or groove (mortise).

The mortise (hole) joins with a piece that has a projecting piece (tenon). This forms a strong joint used particulary where two flat pieces are joined together or where arms and legs are joined. - : def.

A wood construction method consisting of a “tongue”, or tenon, cut on one piece of wood which is inserted into a hole, or mortise, cut into the mating piece of wood to form a strong, secure joint.