Definitions:

1. A term used in carpentry for a cut, groove or slot made across the grain of a piece of wood, often designed to fit the edge of another piece. NOUN
   • In woodworking class, we learned how to cut a dado joint to create strong shelves.
2. Commonly used in woodworking and cabinet-making to create a joint between two pieces. NOUN
   • The woodworker demonstrated how to fit the boards together using a perfectly cut dado.
3. In archetecture, refers to the lower part of a wall, usually differentiated in some way from the upper section by a different color, material, or texture. NOUN
   • The elegant dining room featured a dark wood dado that complemented the rich wallpaper above.

Synonyms:

• baseboard
• chair rail
• groove
• slot
• wainscot