Articulator

/ɑrˈtɪkjəleɪtər/ noun

Definition

A person or device that produces speech sounds; in dentistry, a mechanical device that simulates jaw movements.

Etymology

From Latin 'articulus' (joint) + '-ator' (one who does). Originally meant 'one who joints or connects,' evolving to mean 'one who speaks clearly.'

Kelly Says

Speech therapists and dentists both use 'articulators,' but they're studying different kinds of joints—your vocal cords and throat versus your teeth and jaw—showing how the same concept applies to wildly different body parts.

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