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

• disarticulation noun
• disarticulator 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

In very many grasses the rachis is continuous, but in a few cases it consists of internodes or joints which disarticulate at maturity.

From A Handbook of Some South Indian Grasses by Rangachari, K.

To a man in my disarticulate situation people don't write except to express the kindness of their hearts.

From Mary Wollaston by Webster, Henry Kitchell

If, however, the terminal branch of the dorsalis pedis artery be wounded, it may be necessary to disarticulate the first metatarsal to secure it rather than trust to compression to stop the bleeding.

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