double-jointed

adjective

dou·​ble-joint·​ed ˌdə-bəl-ˈjȯin-təd 

: having a joint that permits an exceptional degree of freedom of motion of the parts joined

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1820, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

double-jointed

adjective

dou·​ble-joint·​ed

ˌdəb-əl-ˈjȯint-əd

: having one or more joints that permit the parts joined to be bent freely to unusual angles

a double-jointed finger

Medical Definition

double-jointed

adjective

dou·​ble-joint·​ed ˌdəb-əl-ˈjȯint-əd 

: having a joint that permits an exceptional degree of freedom of motion of the parts joined

a double-jointed athlete highly susceptible to injury