'articulus' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'articulus', a diminutive of 'artus' meaning 'joint' or 'limb'.

'articulus' in Latin was used for a small joint or a distinct article/section; through Medieval and Ecclesiastical Latin it influenced Old French and Middle English forms (for example Old French 'article'), giving rise to English words such as 'article' and the verb 'articulate', while the original Latin form 'articulus' remained in scholarly and anatomical contexts.

Initially it meant 'small joint' or 'small part'; over time the sense 'distinct part or clause' developed (leading to English 'article'), while the original anatomical sense persists in specialist/Latin contexts.