joint (anatomy); crucial link; underhand deal
Meanings
3 senses · 10 examplesnoun
joint (anatomy); articulation
Refers to the movable connection between bones in the body, such as knee or shoulder joints.
He injured his knee joint while running.
This movement requires flexible coordination of all joints.
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Finger joints tend to get stiff in winter.
Arthritis is a common joint disease.
noun
crucial link; key point; critical juncture
Metaphorical use referring to the most important part or turning point of a matter.
This is the key point to solving the problem.
The negotiation has reached its most critical juncture.
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Grasping this key link will allow the whole matter to proceed smoothly.
noun
underhand deal; bribery; backdoor connection
informalRefers to secret, often illegal, methods of bribing or influencing officials to gain favor.
He got that project by using underhand dealings.
The two companies colluded through backdoor connections to manipulate the bidding result.
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This kind of business often relies on bribery to get done.