Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of joining things in such a way that motion is possible: The state of being jointed or connected with flexibility.
   • (Anatomy) The point of connection between two bones or elements of a skeleton (especially if it allows motion): A joint, such as the knee or elbow.
   • Expressing in coherent verbal form: The clear and effective expression of thoughts or feelings in speech.
   • The shape or manner in which things come together and a connection is made: The manner of connection or the structure of a joint.
   • (Phonetics) The aspect of pronunciation that involves bringing articulatory organs together so as to shape the sounds of speech: The movement of the tongue, lips, and other speech organs to produce specific sounds.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Physical Connection):
  • The articulation of the robot's arm allows for a wide range of motion.
  • The knee is a complex articulation between the femur and the tibia.
• Noun (Verbal Expression):
  • Her clear articulation of the complex policy helped everyone understand it.
  • The success of a leader often depends on the articulation of a compelling vision.
• Noun (Phonetics):
  • Proper articulation is essential for being understood in a foreign language.
  • The speech therapist worked on the child's articulation of the 'r' sound.

Advanced Usage

• "Point of articulation": In phonetics, the specific place in the vocal tract where a speech sound is produced (e.g., bilabial, alveolar).
  • The sounds /p/ and /b/ share the same point of articulation—both are bilabial.
• "Articulation of a concept": The process of giving clear and precise form to an abstract idea.
  • The paper's strength was its precise articulation of the theoretical framework.

Variants and Related Words

• Articulate (verb): To express an idea or feeling fluently and coherently; to pronounce words clearly; to form a joint.
  • She can articulate her arguments very persuasively.
  • The bones articulate at the elbow.
• Articulate (adjective): Having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently.
  • He was an articulate and charismatic speaker.
• Articulatory (adjective): Relating to the physical production of speech sounds.
  • The articulatory process involves the coordination of several muscles.

Synonyms

• Joint: (for the anatomical meaning) The connection between bones.
• Enunciation: (for the speech clarity meaning) The act of pronouncing words clearly.
• Expression: (for the verbal meaning) The process of making known one's thoughts or feelings.
• Juncture: A point where two things are joined.

Related Phrases

• Articulation agreement: (In education) A formal agreement that ensures credits transfer smoothly between educational institutions.
  • The community college has an articulation agreement with the state university.

Noun

1. the act of joining things in such a way that motion is possible
2. (anatomy) the point of connection between two bones or elements of a skeleton (especially if it allows motion)
3. expressing in coherent verbal form
   • the articulation of my feelings
   • I gave voice to my feelings
4. the shape or manner in which things come together and a connection is made
5. the aspect of pronunciation that involves bringing articulatory organs together so as to shape the sounds of speech