Jointing

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈd͡ʒɔɪntɪŋ/

Definitions

1. The process of creating a connection or seam between separate parts ; the act of cutting or shaping stone blocks to fit together precisely
2. Making a link or junction between two elements, usually in construction or woodworking ; shaping stone pieces by cutting to ensure they match and fit neatly
3. Joining involves fitting two or more components together to form one unit ; stone cutting for jointing means carefully trimming pieces to align perfectly

Etymology: Jointing comes from the noun "joint," which English took from Old French "joint," the past participle of "joindre," "to join." That French verb descends from Latin "iungere," "to yoke or join." English "yoke" is a close relative: a yoke literally binds two animals together so they work as one. The noun "joint," meaning a place where parts meet, was in use in English by about 1300, and the verb "to joint," meaning to fit pieces together or to cut something at its natural joints, grew from it. Carpenters and masons use the verb for fitting edges so that they meet cleanly, while butchers use the same verb when they divide a carcass at its joints.