espiga
/esˈpiɡa/
The Spanish word for tenon is espiga.
In woodworking, a espiga refers to a projecting member left by cutting away the wood around it.
Meaning: projecting member left by cutting away the wood around it (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈpiɡa/
Did you know?
- The word espiga is also the standard Spanish term for an 'ear' of corn or wheat. This is because the tapered shape of a grain head resembles the projecting part of a tenon joint.
- In the context of fashion and sewing, a espiga refers to a 'herringbone' pattern. This term describes the V-shaped arrangement of stitches or weave that mimics the look of a grain head.
- Etymologically, espiga comes from the Latin spīca, which is the same root for the English word 'spike'.
Examples in context
- El carpintero utilizó una espiga para unir las dos piezas de madera.The carpenter used a tenon to join the two pieces of wood.
- El ebanista utilizó un macho para ensamblar las piezas de madera.The cabinetmaker used a tenon to assemble the wooden pieces.
- La espiga es demasiado pequeña para el agujero.The tenon is too small for the hole.
- Debes tallar la espiga con mucha precisión.You must carve the tenon with great precision.
- Esa espiga de madera encaja perfectamente.That wooden tenon fits perfectly.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are working in a woodworking workshop.
- Javier¿Está lista la espiga para la silla?Is the tenon ready for the chair?
- ElenaSí, Javier, ya la he terminado.Yes, Javier, I have already finished it.
- JavierPerfecto, veamos si encaja bien.Perfect, let's see if it fits well.
- ElenaEs una espiga muy bien hecha.It is a very well-made tenon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry espiga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries espiga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
