I. ˈjȯint noun
Etymology: Middle English jointe, from Anglo-French, from joindre
Date: 13th century
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 spine 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 ˈjȯin-təd adjective
• joint·ed·ly adverb
• joint·ed·ness noun
•
- out of joint
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from past participle of joindre
Date: 14th century
1. : united , combined
the joint influences of culture and climate
2. : common to two or more: as
a.
(1) : involving the united activity of two or more
a joint effort
(2) : constituting an activity, operation, or organization in which elements of more than one armed service participate
joint maneuvers
(3) : constituting an action or expression of two or more governments
joint peace talks
b. : shared by or affecting two or more
a joint fine
3. : united, joined, or sharing with another (as in a right or status)
joint heirs
4. : being a function of or involving two or more variables and especially random variables
• joint·ly adverb
III. verb
Etymology: joint (I)
Date: 1530
transitive verb
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
intransitive verb
1. : to fit as if by joints
the stones joint neatly
2. : to form joints as a stage in growth — used especially of small grains