interlock

Everyday

1. To fit or lock firmly together, with parts of one thing going into gaps in another. tree →
2. To be closely joined so that one thing depends on another. tree →
3. (noun) A device or knitted fabric whose parts are linked together, such as a safety lock on a machine or interlock cotton. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and craft lessons, jigsaw pieces, gears, cogs and building bricks interlock; in science, puzzle-like shapes show how parts fit together; in design and technology, interlocking joints hold wood without nails. In stories, interlocking fingers or arms show closeness or holding tight; interlocking plans or events show things that depend on each other. Phrases: interlocking pieces, interlocking rings, interlock fingers.

Examples

• The jigsaw pieces interlock perfectly. tree →
• The Olympic flag has five interlocking rings. tree →
• She interlocked her fingers and stretched her arms. tree →
• Lego bricks interlock so the tower does not fall. tree →
• The teeth of the two gears interlock and turn together. tree →
• The stories in the book interlock, so you meet the same people again. tree →
• The washing machine has a door interlock, so it will not open while it spins. tree →
• My granny's cardigan is made of soft interlock cotton. tree →

Note

Regular verb: interlocked, interlocking. Usually without an object («the pieces interlock») or with «with» («one piece interlocks with the next»). Do not confuse with «interlocutor» (a person you talk with). Stress: in-ter-LOCK for the verb, IN-ter-lock for the noun.