hinge joint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Technical / Academic / Medical
Quick answer
What does “hinge joint” mean?
A type of synovial joint in the body that allows movement primarily in one plane, like the bending and straightening of an elbow or knee.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of synovial joint in the body that allows movement primarily in one plane, like the bending and straightening of an elbow or knee.
In engineering, a mechanical joint connecting two solid objects, typically allowing only a limited angle of rotation between them, similar to a door hinge.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use the same term. Spelling conventions follow national norms for surrounding text (e.g., 'articulation' vs. no change).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. No cultural variance.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both varieties, confined to relevant technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “hinge joint” in a Sentence
The [ANATOMICAL PART] is a hinge joint.A hinge joint allows [MOVEMENT].to articulate via a hinge jointVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hinge joint” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hinge-joint mechanism was patent-protected.
American English
- The hinge-joint design proved more reliable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The deal hinged on that joint agreement.' (Note: 'hinged' used verbally, not the noun phrase).
Academic
Common in human biology, anatomy, physiology, and engineering textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Used only when explaining anatomy or mechanics in simple terms.
Technical
Standard term in anatomy, orthopedics, biomechanics, and mechanical engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hinge joint”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hinge joint”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hinge joint”
- Using 'hinge joint' to describe the shoulder (which is a ball and socket joint).
- Pronouncing 'hinge' as /haɪndʒ/ instead of /hɪndʒ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while commonly described as a hinge joint, the knee has a small degree of rotation, making it a modified or complex hinge joint.
Yes, it's a standard term in mechanical and civil engineering for a type of connection that allows limited angular movement.
Its primary function is to enable angular motion in a single plane, such as flexion and extension.
It is characterized by a convex surface of one bone fitting into a concave surface of another, with a joint capsule and synovial fluid, allowing smooth movement.
A type of synovial joint in the body that allows movement primarily in one plane, like the bending and straightening of an elbow or knee.
Hinge joint is usually technical / academic / medical in register.
Hinge joint: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪndʒ ˌdʒɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪndʒ ˌdʒɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a door HINGE: it only swings open and shut. Your elbow is a HINGE JOINT—it only bends and straightens.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PIVOTAL POINT IS A HINGE; LIMITED FREEDOM IS A HINGE JOINT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a hinge joint?