Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having unusually flexible joints, especially of the limbs or fingers: Describes a person whose joints, particularly in the fingers, thumbs, elbows, or shoulders, can bend much further than is typical for most people, often due to hypermobility.

Usage

• The term "double-jointed" is used to describe a physical trait, not a medical condition. It is an informal, non-technical term.
• It is typically used as a predicate adjective (e.g., "She is double-jointed") or attributively before a noun (e.g., "his double-jointed thumbs").
• While common, the term is technically a misnomer, as it does not mean having two joints where there is normally one. The correct medical term is "hypermobile" or having "joint hypermobility."

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To be double-jointed": This is the standard construction to state the characteristic.
  • Many people who are double-jointed find they can perform certain yoga poses more easily.

Variants and Related Words

• Hypermobile (adj): The formal or medical term for having an excessive range of motion in one's joints.
  • The doctor noted that the patient had hypermobile joints.
• Joint hypermobility (n): The condition or state of having hypermobile joints.
  • Some people with joint hypermobility may experience pain or are more prone to dislocations.

Synonyms

• Loose-jointed: Having joints that allow for an unusually wide range of motion. (Similar in meaning but less common.)
• Flexible: Able to bend easily without breaking. (A more general term that can apply to joints, but also to objects or people's minds.)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To have rubber joints": A very informal, figurative way to say someone is double-jointed or very flexible.
  • He must have rubber joints to move like that!

Adjective

1. having unusually flexible joints especially of the limbs or fingers