rhizoverbBeta
DictionarygrooveNarrow channel
noun / verb

groove

GROOV/ɡruːv/

A channel that guides movement along a fixed track.

The gouge cuts a long, narrow groove along the wooden board.

A close-up woodworker's gouge cuts a long narrow groove along a wooden board, channel clearly visible.
Etymology
grooveMiddle Dutchfurrow, ditch

Possibly from Middle Dutch groeve, “furrow, ditch,” though a Scandinavian source is also possible, groove first named a cave, mine, or pit. Its meaning narrowed to a long channel, especially one cut by a tool.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain353:03
there is a Groove 12 in deep in which the extremities of the axle are lodged and turned around
1700s Satire: Jonathan Swift - Gulliver's Travels (Audiobook)

More examples

  • The needle follows the record's spiral groove.
  • These grooves keep the wheels on a fixed path.
  • We groove the wooden rails so the lid slides straight.

Forms

groove · grooves · grooved · grooving

Similar words

slot
Often an opening that receives a sliding or fitted part.
track
May use raised rails rather than a recessed channel.