Mortise (noun)

1. A rectangular hole cut into a piece of wood, into which a tenon of another piece of wood fits to form a joint.
2. A hole or recess cut into a piece of wood, stone, or other material to receive a tenon or other projecting part.

Origin:

Middle english mortise, from old french mortaise, from vulgar latin *morticia, alteration of latin mortarium, from neuter of mortarius of or for drilling, from mortarius of or for drilling, from morsus, past participle of mordere to bite.

Examples:

1. The mortise and tenon joint is a strong way to join two pieces of wood.
2. The carpenter made a mortise in the door frame to fit the latch.
3. The chair was held together with mortise and tenon joints.
4. He made a mortise in the wood to fit the peg.
5. The mortise was a perfect fit for the tenon.