adj. 1. Composed of distinct, meaningful syllables or words: articulate speech. 2. Expressing oneself easily in clear and effective language: an articulate speaker. 3. Characterized by the use of clear, expressive language: an articulate essay. 4. Having the power of speech. 5. Biology Consisting of sections united by joints; jointed. v. (-lāt′) ar·tic·u·lat·ed, ar·tic·u·lat·ing, ar·tic·u·lates v.tr. 1. To pronounce distinctly and carefully; enunciate. 2. To utter (a speech sound) by making the necessary movements of the speech organs. 3. To express in coherent verbal form: couldn't articulate my fears. 4. To fit together into a coherent whole; unify: a plan to articulate nursing programs throughout the state. 5. To convert (a student's credits at one school) to credits at another school by comparing the curricula. 6. Biology To unite by forming a joint or joints. 7. Architecture To give visible or concrete expression to (the composition of structural elements): a spare design in which windows and doors are barely articulated. v.intr. 1. To speak clearly and distinctly. 2. To utter a speech sound. 3. Biology To form a joint; be jointed: The thighbone articulates with the bones of the hip. [Latin articulātus, past participle of articulāre, to divide into joints, utter distinctly, from articulus, small joint; see ARTICLE.] ar·ticu·late·ly adv. ar·ticu·late·ness, ar·ticu·la·cy (-lə-sē) n. |
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