Definition

A tool or machine used to create a mortise, which is a hole or recess cut into a piece of wood to receive a tenon from another piece, allowing for strong joints in woodworking.

Example

The carpenter used a mortiser to create precise joints for the furniture he was building.

Conversation

Have you ever used a mortiser for woodworking?

No, I haven't, but I've heard they make the job easier.

Yeah, it's really handy for creating precise joints.

I should try it out sometime; it sounds interesting!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mortiser → It is formed from "mort" (from Old French *mort*, meaning dead) and "-iser" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating the action of making or causing). The word "mortiser" refers to the action of creating a mortise, which is a hole or recess cut into a piece of wood to receive a tenon, often used in woodworking to join pieces together, thus metaphorically 'making dead' the wood by creating a space for joining.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mort' meaning 'dead' — when you create a mortise, you are making a space in the wood, almost like making it 'dead' to fit another piece. This helps you remember that a mortiser is someone who creates these spaces.

Visually Confused Words