disarticulate

American  

[dis-ahr-tik-yuh-leyt] / ˌdɪs ɑrˈtɪk yəˌleɪt /

verb (used with or without object)

disarticulated, disarticulating

1. to make or become disjointed, as the bones of a body or stems of a plant.

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disarticulate British  

/ ˌdɪsɑːˈtɪkjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to separate or cause to separate at the joints, esp those of bones

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• disarticulator
  noun
• disarticulation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of disarticulate

First recorded in 1820–30; dis- ¹ + articulate

Example Sentences

Attention! isn't trying to disarticulate the whole idea of ordered writing.

From The Guardian • Jun. 21, 2013

Whenever it is possible, cut the bone through its continuity rather than disarticulate.

From A Manual of the Operations of Surgery For the Use of Senior Students, House Surgeons, and Junior Practitioners by Bell, Joseph

Tendrils which have caught nothing soon shrink and wither; but in some species of Bignonia they disarticulate and fall off like leaves in autumn.

From The Movements and Habits of Climbing Plants by Darwin, Charles

Retaining Mr. Syme's incisions in their integrity, some operators prefer not to disarticulate the foot, but remove it by sawing through the tibia and fibula at once, while still in connection with the foot.

From A Manual of the Operations of Surgery For the Use of Senior Students, House Surgeons, and Junior Practitioners by Bell, Joseph

"Pray, never mind me at all, gentlemen—I'll listen blandly whilst I disarticulate this beautiful bird."

From The Seeker by Wilson, Harry Leon