bevel

[bev-uh l] /ˈbɛv əl/

noun

the inclination that one line or surface makes with another when not at right angles.

a surface that does not form a right angle with adjacent surfaces.

Compare chamfer.

(of a lock bolt) the oblique end that hits the strike plate.

(of a lock with a beveled bolt) the side facing in the same direction as the bevel at the end of the bolt.

Compare regular bevel, reverse bevel.

bevel square.

an adjustable instrument for drawing angles or adjusting the surface of work to a particular inclination.

Printing. beard (def 5).

verb (used with object), verb (used without object), beveled, beveling or (especially British) bevelled, bevelling.

to cut or slant at a bevel:

to bevel an edge to prevent splintering.

adjective

Also, beveled; especially British, bevelled. oblique; sloping; slanted.

Origin

1555-65; < Middle French *bevel (French béveau, biveau), Old French *baivel, equivalent to baïf with open mouth (ba(er) to gape (see bay²) + -if -ive) + -el < Latin -ellus; see -elle

Related forms

beveler; especially British, beveller, noun

unbeveled, adjective

unbevelled, adjective

underbeveling, noun

underbevelling, noun

Examples from the web for bevel

With the bevel, the chance that a skier will catch an edge is reduced.
In these instances, you need only restore the edge bevel.
The angle of the bevel is critical for the safety edge to function properly.
Choose from four bevel-color styles to match your decor.
As a result, clapboard siding is sometimes called bevel siding.
Failure of the bevel machine operator to attend safety meetings.
The needle bevel may have been inserted too deeply or an inadequate dose administered.
The bevel is a relatively common effect in graphic editors such as photoshop.

British Dictionary definitions for bevel

bevel

/ˈbɛvəl/

noun

Also called cant. a surface that meets another at an angle other than a right angle Compare chamfer (sense 1)
(as modifier): a bevel edge, bevel square

verb -els, -elling, -elled (US) -els, -eling, -eled

(intransitive) to be inclined; slope

(transitive) to cut a bevel on (a piece of timber, etc)

Derived Forms

bevelled, (US) beveled, adjective
beveller, (US) beveler, noun

Word Origin

C16: from Old French bevel (unattested), from baïf, from baer to gape; see bay1

Word Origin and History for bevel

adj.

1560s, possibly from Old French *baivel (Modern French béveau, biveau), possibly from bayer "to gape, yawn," from Latin *batare "to yawn, gape," from Latin root *bat-, possibly imitative of yawning. If so, the time gap is puzzling. The verb is first recorded 1670s. The noun is 1670s, from the adjective.