dowel
UK[ˈdaʊəl]US[ˈdaʊəl]
n
A headless pin, usually made of wood, used for holding together components of a structure by fitting into a corresponding hole in an adjoining piece.
Etymology
The word 'dowel' entered Middle English from the Middle Low German word 'dovel', meaning a plug or peg. This Germanic root is related to words like the Old High German 'tubili' and is thought to be connected to the Proto-Germanic base dub-, implying something blunt or stubby. The core logic of the word has remained remarkably consistent from its origins, directly referring to a cylindrical pin or peg used for joining. Its journey into English reflects the practical exchange of carpentry and woodworking terminology across Germanic languages.
Analysis
The word 'dowel' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It does not contain separable, meaningful morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
The carpenter used a wooden dowel to reinforce the joint between the two planks.
For a stronger bond, apply glue inside the hole before inserting the dowel.
The classic toy consists of colorful beads threaded onto a thick dowel.