The Latin "articulus" means "joint, division." As you know, a joint joins two parts together. That's the idea behind "article." It can mean a separate -- but connected -- part of a document, or a nonfiction piece that is part of a larger publication. It can also refer to a word that joins up with a noun to tell us more about the noun. Other words that join this word family include "articulate," which means both "jointed" and "clearly understandable" (from the idea of syllables or words joined in a meaningful way). "Articular," meaning "of or relating to a joint," also descends from "articulus."