(1) A cast gold or preformed metal pin placed into a root canal for the purpose of providing retention for a crown. (2) A preformed metal pin placed in a copper-plated die to provide a die stem. (3) A pin or rod that aligns or joins two structures by fitting into holes in both of them; dowels of various materials are used in orthopaedic surgery and dentistry. (4) SYN: dowel graft.
