1. 1. A place or part at which two or more things are joined.
   2. A way in which two or more things are joined: a mortise-and-tenon joint; flexible joints.
2. Anatomy.
   1. A point of articulation between two or more bones, especially such a connection that allows motion.
   2. A point in the exoskeleton of an invertebrate at which movable parts join, as along the leg of an arthropod.
3. Botany. An articulation on a fruit or stem, such as the node of a grass stem.
4. Geology. A fracture or crack in a rock mass along which no appreciable movement has occurred.
5. A large cut of meat for roasting.
6. Slang.
   1. A cheap or disreputable gathering place: "The tavern is . . . just a joint with Formica tables, a vinyl floor, lights over the mirrors" (Scott Turow).
   2. A building or dwelling.
   3. A prison. Often used with the.
7. Slang. A marijuana cigarette.
8. Vulgar Slang. A penis.

1. Shared by or common to two or more: our joint presence; a joint income-tax return.
2. Sharing with another or others: a joint tenant.
3. Formed or characterized by cooperation or united action: joint military maneuvers.
4. Involving both houses of a legislature: a joint session of Congress.
5. Law. Regarded as one legal body; united in identity of interest or liability.
6. Mathematics. Involving two or more variables.

1. To combine or attach with a joint or joints: securely jointed the sides of the drawer.
2. To provide or construct with joints: joint a boom on a crane.
3. To separate (meat) at the joints.

out of joint

1. Dislocated, as a bone.
2. InformalNot harmonious; inconsistent.Out of order; inauspicious or unsatisfactory.In bad spirits or humor; out of sorts.
   1. Not harmonious; inconsistent.
   1. Out of order; inauspicious or unsatisfactory.
   1. In bad spirits or humor; out of sorts.

[Middle English, from Old French, from past participle of joindre, to join. See join.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.