jointedness
|joint-ed-ness|
/ˈdʒɔɪn.tɪd.nəs/
having joints; divided into segments
Etymology
'jointedness' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'jointed' plus the suffix '-ness' that creates nouns indicating a state or quality.
'jointed' (and thus 'jointedness') traces back to Middle English 'joint', borrowed from Old French 'joint' (meaning 'joined'), which in turn comes from Latin 'junctus', the past participle of 'jungere' meaning 'to join'; the modern noun was formed by adding the English suffix '-ness'.
The original root sense was 'joined' or 'yoked'; over time this developed into the descriptive quality meaning 'having joints or articulated segments', which is the sense used in 'jointedness'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or quality of having joints or articulated segments; being divided into articulated parts (used of organisms, mechanical devices, or plant stems).
The jointedness of the insect's legs allows for very precise and flexible movement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/01 18:42