Definition

A wooden peg used to join pieces of wood together, especially in the construction of ships, which expands when it gets wet to create a tight fit.

Example

The shipwright used a treenail to secure the planks of the hull.

Conversation

Have you heard about how they use treenails in shipbuilding?

Yeah, I read that they help keep the timbers together really well.

It's interesting how they swell when wet to create a tight fit.

Exactly! That makes them perfect for boats that are always in water.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Treenail → The word is formed from "tree" (from Old English *treow*, meaning wood or tree) and "nail" (from Old English *naegl*, meaning a metal fastener). A treenail is a wooden peg used to fasten parts of a wooden structure together, emphasizing its wooden nature and function as a fastener.

Memory Tip

Think of a wooden 'tree' being used as a 'nail' to hold things together — that's why a treenail is a wooden fastener.

Visually Confused Words