Jointing

joint  (joint) n. 1. a. A place or part at which two or more things are joined. b. A way in which two or more things are joined: a mortise-and-tenon joint; flexible joints. 2. Anatomy a. A point of articulation between two or more bones, especially such a connection that allows motion. b. 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 a. A cheap or disreputable gathering place: "The tavern is . . . just a joint with Formica tables, a vinyl floor, lights over the mirrors" (Scott Turow). b. A building or dwelling. c. A prison. Often used with the. 7. Slang A marijuana cigarette. 8. Vulgar Slang A penis. adj. 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. tr.v. joint·ed, joint·ing, joints 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. Idiom: out of joint 1. Dislocated, as a bone. 2. Informal a. Not harmonious; inconsistent. b. Out of order; inauspicious or unsatisfactory. c. In bad spirits or humor; out of sorts. [Middle English, from Old French, from past participle of joindre, to join; see join.]

joint top to bottom: end-lap, doweled, and spline joints