Meaning & Definition of word "Dado"

Dado

/ˈdeɪdoʊ/

noun:

  • 1. A rectangular groove cut along the edge of a piece of wood, used to house the edge of another piece.
    • Example: The carpenter cut a dado into the shelf to ensure a snug fit against the side panel.
  • 2. The lower part of a wall or column, especially when finished differently from the upper part.
    • Example: The dado of the room was painted a darker shade to create a nice contrast with the lighter upper walls.
  • 3. A block of wood or a piece of material that is designed to support a structure.
    • Example: He placed a dado beneath the heavy load to distribute the weight evenly.

verb:

  • 1. To create a dado or groove in a piece of wood.
    • Example: The craftsman will dado the boards before assembling the furniture.

Etymology

From Italian 'dado', meaning die or cube.

Common Phrases and Expressions

dado rail:

A horizontal board that runs around the perimeter of a room and separates the wall from the dado.

dado joint:

A woodworking joint where a groove is cut into a piece of material.

Related Words

panel:

A flat or curved component typically made of wood, metal, or another material.

column:

A vertical structural element that supports weight.

groove:

A long, narrow cut or depression.

Slang Meanings of dado

Meaning: In gaming, it refers to a dice.

Example Sentence: Let's roll a dado and see who goes first.

Meaning: Used informally to mean something obsolete or outdated.

Example Sentence: That old computer is totally dado.