Disarticulated

/ˌdɪsɑːrˈtɪkjəleɪtɪd/ adjective

Definition

Separated at the joints or connections; no longer connected in the normal way.

Etymology

From dis- + articulate + -ed. The past participle becomes an adjective describing the completed state of separation.

Kelly Says

Paleontologists find 'disarticulated' bones in fossil beds—meaning the skeleton fell apart after death rather than being buried intact, which tells them the ancient animal wasn't quickly buried.

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