interlocking

in·ter·lock  (ntr-lk)

v. in·ter·locked, in·ter·lock·ing, in·ter·locks

v.tr.

1. To unite or join closely as by hooking or dovetailing.

2. To connect together (parts of a mechanism, for example) so that the individual parts affect each other in motion or operation.

v.intr.

To become united or joined closely, as by hooking or dovetailing.

n. (ntr-lk)

1. A mechanical device that prevents a component from functioning when another component is functioning or situated in a particular way.

2. A stretchy fabric knitted with interlocking stitches by alternating sets of needles on a circular knitting machine.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	interlocking - contact by fitting together; "the engagement of the clutch"; "the meshing of gears" meshing, mesh, engagement impinging, striking, contact - the physical coming together of two or more things; "contact with the pier scraped paint from the hull"
	2.	interlocking - the act of interlocking or meshing; "an interlocking of arms by the police held the crowd in check" interlock, meshing, mesh snap, grab, snatch, catch - the act of catching an object with the hands; "Mays made the catch with his back to the plate"; "he made a grab for the ball before it landed"; "Martin's snatch at the bridle failed and the horse raced away"; "the infielder's snap and throw was a single motion"
Adj.	1.	interlocking - linked or locked closely together as by dovetailing interlacing, interlinking, interwoven complex - complicated in structure; consisting of interconnected parts; "a complex set of variations based on a simple folk melody"; "a complex mass of diverse laws and customs"