[joint] n [ME jointe, fr. OF, fr. joindre] (13c) 1 a (1): the point of contact between elements of an animal skeleton with the parts that surround and support it (2): node 5b b: a part or space included between two articulations, knots, or nodes c: a large piece of meat for roasting
2. a: a place where two things or parts are joined b: a space between the adjacent surfaces of two bodies joined and held together (as by cement or mortar) c: a fracture or crack in rock not accompanied by dislocation d: the flexing part of a cover along either backbone edge of a book e: the junction of two or more members of a framed structure f: a union formed by two abutting rails in a track including the elements (as bars and bolts) necessary to hold the abutting rails together g: an area at which two ends, surfaces, or edges are attached 3 a: a shabby or disreputable place of entertainment b: place, establishment c slang: prison 2
4: a marijuana cigarette -- joint.ed adj -- joint.ed.ly adv -- joint.ed.ness n -- out of joint 1 a of a bone: having the head slipped from its socket b: at variance
2. a: disordered 2a b: being out of humor: dissatisfied
[2]joint adj [ME, fr. MF, fr. pp. of joindre, fr. OF] (14c) 1: united, combined "the ~ influences of culture and climate"
2: common to two or more: as a (1): involving the united activity of two or more "a ~ effort" (2): constituting an activity, operation, or organization in which elements of more than one armed service participate "~ maneuvers" (3): constituting an action or expression of two or more governments "~ peace talks" b: shared by or affecting two or more "a ~ fine"
3: united, joined, or sharing with another (as in a right or status) "~ heirs"
4: being a function of or involving two or more variables and esp. random variables -- joint.ly adv [3]joint vb [[1]joint] vt (1530) 1: to separate the joints of (as meat)
2. a: to unite by a joint: fit together b: to provide with a joint: articulate c: to prepare (as a board) for joining by planing the edge ~ vi 1: to fit as if by joints "the stones ~ neatly"
2: to form joints as a stage in growth--used esp. of small grains