Having joints or segments that allow flexible movement, or expressed clearly and effectively in speech. As a past participle, it means something was clearly stated or had jointed construction.
From Latin 'articulatus,' meaning 'divided into joints,' from 'articulus' meaning 'little joint or division.' The word evolved from describing physical joints to metaphorical clarity of expression, as both involve clear separation and connection of parts.
The connection between 'articulated' meaning 'jointed' and 'clearly expressed' is beautiful—both require proper connections between distinct parts to function effectively. An articulated truck has joints for flexibility, just as articulated speech has clear divisions between words and ideas.
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