joint
joint
(joint) noun
Abbr. jnt., jt.
1.
a. A place or part at which two or more things are joined. b. A way in which two or more things are joined: a mortise-and-tenon joint; flexible joints.
2. Anatomy. a. A point of articulation between two or more bones, especially such a connection that allows motion. b. A point in the exoskeleton of an invertebrate at which movable parts join, as along the leg of an arthropod.
3. Botany. An articulation on a fruit or stem, such as the node of a grass stem.
4. Geology. A fracture or crack in a rock mass along which no appreciable movement has occurred.
5. A large cut of meat for roasting.
6. Slang. a. A cheap or disreputable gathering place: "The tavern is . . . just a joint with Formica tables, a vinyl floor, lights over the mirrors" (Scott Turow). b. A building or dwelling. c. A prison. Often used with the.
7. Slang. A marijuana cigarette.
8. Vulgar Slang. A penis.
adjective
Abbr.
jnt., jt.
1.
Shared by or common to two or more: our joint presence; a joint income-tax return.
2.
Sharing with another or others: a joint tenant.
3.
Formed or characterized by cooperation or united action: joint military maneuvers.
4.
Involving both houses of a legislature: a joint session of Congress.
5.
Law. Regarded as one legal body; united in identity of interest or liability.
6. Mathematics. Involving two or more variables.
verb
, transitive
jointed
, jointing, joints
1.
To combine or attach with a joint or joints: securely jointed the sides of the drawer.
2.
To provide or construct with joints: joint a boom on a crane.
3.
To separate (meat) at the joints.
idiom.
out of joint
1.
Dislocated, as a bone.
2.
Informal. a. Not harmonious; inconsistent. b. Out of order; inauspicious or unsatisfactory. c. In bad spirits or humor; out of sorts.
[Middle English, from Old French from past participle of joindre, to join. See
join.]