articulated

Articulated is the past participle of articulate and is used as an adjective or verb form in English. As an attribute, articulated describes something that has joints or is joined by a flexible connection, allowing movement. The term derives from Latin articulatus, from articulus meaning a small joint or jointed part.

In anatomy, articulation refers to a joint where two bones meet and move relative to one another. An articulated skeleton or fossil shows the bones in positions connected by joints. In botany, articulated describes plant parts that are joined or segmented, such as stems or inflorescences with visible joints.

As a verb, articulate means to express clearly or to pronounce distinctly. Articulating speech involves precise, well-enunciated sounds. In linguistics, articulation studies how speech organs shape different sounds; an articulated voice implies clarity of pronunciation.

In engineering and transportation, an articulated structure comprises two or more rigid sections connected by a flexible joint. Examples include articulated buses or trucks, cranes, and robotic arms. The articulation joint enables the sections to bend or fold, improving maneuverability and reach, especially in confined spaces or uneven terrain.