Word: joint Part of Speech: noun Etymology: The noun is from Middle English joynt (attested since the late 13th century), from Old French joint (“joint of the body”) (attested since the 12th century). The adjective (attested since the 15th century) is from Old French jointiz. Both Old French words are from Latin iūnctus, the past participle of iungō. See also join, jugular, junction. Displaced Old English fōg and partially displaced English lith. The meaning of "building, establishment", especially in connection with shady activities, appeared in Anglo-Irish by 1821 and entered general American English slang by 1877, especially in the sense of "opium den". The sense "marijuana cigarette" is attested since 1935. The development to meaning "any thing" also happened to the Scots and Memphian form junt and the Mid-Atlantic/Philadelphian form jawn. Pronunciation: /d͡ʒɔɪnt/ 1. The point where two components of a structure join, but are still able to rotate. Example: This rod is free to swing at the joint with the platform. 2. The point where two components of a structure join rigidly. Example: The water is leaking out of the joint between the two pipes. 3. Any part of an animalian body where two bones or exoskeleton segments are abutted, in most cases allowing that part of the body to be bent or straightened. 4. The means of securing together the meeting surfaces of components of a structure. Example: The dovetail joint, while more difficult to make, is also quite strong. 5. A cut of meat, especially (but not necessarily) (a) one containing a joint in the sense of an articulation or (b) one rolled up and tied. Example: Near-synonym: roast Example: Set the joint in a roasting tin and roast for the calculated cooking time. 6. The part or space included between two joints, knots, nodes, or articulations. Example: a joint of cane or of a grass stem; a joint of the leg 7. A fracture in which the strata are not offset; a geologic joint. 8. A place of business, particularly in the food service or hospitality industries; sometimes extended to any place that is a focus of human connection or activity (e.g., schools, hangouts, party spots). Labels: US, slang Example: It was the kind of joint you wouldn't want your boss to see you in. Example: "...Where's the ladies' in this joint? I've to powder me nose." 9. A place of business, particularly in the food service or hospitality industries; sometimes extended to any place that is a focus of human connection or activity (e.g., schools, hangouts, party spots). Labels: US, dated, slang 10. A place of business, particularly in the food service or hospitality industries; sometimes extended to any place that is a focus of human connection or activity (e.g., schools, hangouts, party spots). Labels: US, dated, slang 11. A place of business, particularly in the food service or hospitality industries; sometimes extended to any place that is a focus of human connection or activity (e.g., schools, hangouts, party spots). Labels: US, slang Example: Now you're gonna put me right back in the joint. Example: I'm just trying to stay out of the joint. 12. A marijuana cigarette. Labels: US, slang Example: After locking the door and closing the shades, they lit the joint. 13. A syringe used to inject an illicit drug. Labels: dated, slang Example: Captain Jack McMahon, chief of Houston's police narcotics division, holds tools of the “junkie” trade, including “joints” (syringes), needles, heroin, milk sugar (used to cut pure heroin), spoons for heating a shot of heroin (mixed with water), […] 14. The penis. Labels: US, slang Example: Inez called up Camille on the phone repeatedly and had long talks with her; they even talked about his joint, or so Dean claimed. Example: There I was, going down at last on the star of all those pornographic films that I had been producing in my head since I first laid a hand upon my own joint . . . 15. A thing. Example: a Spike Lee joint Example: Compare: jawn