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scarf joint

scarf joint

9.0
A connection where two pieces are shaped to fit end to end to form a longer piece
  • noun
  • /skɑrf dʒɔɪnt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : junta en escuadra
  • A properly made scarf joint can increase the strength of the structure.

Examples

  • The carpenter used a scarf joint to connect the two beams.

  • A properly executed scarf joint can be as strong as the original timber.

  • Metalworkers often employ a scarf joint when repairing railway tracks.

  • The carpenter used a scarf joint to extend the length of the beam.

  • To create a longer beam, I used a scarf joint to connect the two pieces of wood seamlessly.

  • The construction workers chose to use a scarf joint to join the ends of the metal bars for added strength.

  • By cutting precise angles, they ensured that the scarf joint would fit securely without gaps.

Synonyms

scarf
vsscarf joint
  • Specialized
2 9.0

A joint made by shaping ends so two beams fit and lock end to end

is about shaping ends so they fit to form a longer piece

How Strong

weld
  • Specialized
8 4.2
lap joint
  • Specialized
1 5.8
scarf joint
  • Specialized
9.0
butt joint
  • Specialized
1 6.7

Surface Forms

scarf joint singular
scarf joints plural

Morphology

scarf + joint

The compound is directly compositional: 'scarf' (a specific type of tapered/notched overlap) names a method of connecting and 'joint' denotes the connection, so the phrase literally denotes that type of connection. A B1 learner who knows the given constituent meanings can therefore infer the MWE without needing idiomatic or metaphorical knowledge.

Etymology

Scarf joint comes from woodworking: to scarf meant to cut and shape the ends of two pieces so they 'fit together', and a joint is where they meet, so the phrase describes two ends joined end-to-end. So today it means a 'join' made by shaping the ends so two pieces become one longer piece.