gliding joint

6.8

A joint that lets small bones slide past each other without turning

noun
/ˈɡlaɪdɪŋ dʒɔɪnt/

Specialized

: articulación deslizante

The carpals in the wrist are connected by gliding joints that permit a wide range of hand movements.

Examples

In anatomy class, we studied how a gliding joint differs from a hinge joint.
A gliding joint allows bones to move past one another without rotating or angling.
The gliding joint allows for smooth wrist movement.
Many athletes rely on their gliding joints for flexibility.
The carpals in the wrist are connected by gliding joints that permit a wide range of hand movements.
In anatomy class, we studied how a gliding joint differs from a hinge joint.
A gliding joint allows bones to move past one another without rotating or angling.

Synonyms

articulatio plana

vsgliding joint

Specialized

9.9

A joint that lets flat bones glide past each other, like in the wrist

is the general descriptive name used instead of the anatomical label

Surface Forms

gliding joint singular

gliding joints plural

Morphology

glide + joint

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from 'glide' (to move smoothly/sliding) + 'joint' (a point where bones meet): a joint that allows sliding movement. This adjective+noun composition follows a regular morphological pattern and is likely inferable by a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

The term gliding joint comes from a simple image: the word gliding suggests sliding smoothly and the word joint means the place where two bones meet, so it looks like two flat surfaces sliding past each other. That's why it means a joint that allows only 'sliding' movement between bones, like in the wrist and ankle.