Articulado

Articulado is an adjective in Spanish derived from the verb articular, meaning joined or connected by joints. It describes objects or structures that are composed of multiple rigid parts linked by a hinge or pivot, allowing movement between sections. The term is used in everyday language as well as in technical contexts to indicate a system of connected pieces rather than a single solid unit. The feminine form is articulada and the plural articulados or articuladas.

In transportation, articulado commonly refers to vehicles designed with two or more sections connected by a hinge. Examples include the autobús articulado (articulated bus) and the camión articulado (articulated truck or tractor-trailer). The articulation permits longer vehicle length while maintaining maneuverability. In rail and rolling stock, terms such as tren articulado or vagón articulado describe train cars that share an articulation or bogie between cars, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in tight curves or urban networks.

Beyond vehicles, the word is used more broadly to describe things that are joined or structured in articulated form. In architecture and engineering, an articulated structure consists of parts that can move relative to one another or are clearly defined by joints. In anatomy, articulation refers to joints between bones, and in everyday language, a well-articulated argument or speech is one that is clear, coherent, and effectively expressed.

Overall, articulado denotes a jointed, composed-on-parts condition, with its most recognizable contemporary use being in reference to articulated vehicles, though it also appears in contexts related to joints, structure, and clarity of expression.