contact by fitting together(n)

Synonyms: engagement interlocking mesh meshing

Hypernyms: contact impinging striking

Examples: the engagement of the clutch the meshing of gears

linked or locked closely together as by dovetailing(a)

Synonyms: interlacing interlinking interlocking interwoven

Similar: complex

the act of interlocking or meshing(n)

Synonyms: interlock interlocking mesh meshing

Hypernyms: catch grab snap snatch

Examples: an interlocking of arms by the police held the crowd in check

In railway signalling, an interlocking is an arrangement of signal apparatus that prevents conflicting movements through an arrangement of tracks such as junctions or crossings. In North America, a set of signalling appliances and tracks interlocked together are sometimes collectively referred to as an interlocking plant or just as an interlocking. An interlocking system is designed so that it is impossible to display a signal to proceed unless the route to be used is proven safe.