Two different meanings of this word in the OED caught my eye:
1) To formulate in an article or articles; to set out in articles; to particularize, specify.
2) To attach or unite (esp. a bone) by a joint; freq. with to, less commonly with. Usu. in pass.
The OED gives two different but similar explanations for the etymology of this word. It says that the "division into separate parts" comes from the Latin verb articula(-)t and the "unite" comes from the French verb articuler. As I understood, it brings it says the first meaning can be attributed to the verb form of our word, while the other meaning can be attributed to our adjective. I thought it interesting that one word could have seemingly opposite meanings. I also like the idea of something that breaks other things in to parts, in a way, also brings them together. I think I'm definately reading too much into it, but the word is more attractive that way.
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I do think it's interesting how the same word can mean both divide and join. But I don't think the OED entirely supports the idea of splitting the meanings on the basis of verb and adjective. According to the OED, the verb articulate's route into English is either: a) from the Latin verb articulare, or b) from the English adjective articulate, which is itself derived from the perfect passive participle of the Latin verb. In Latin, articulare could mean both divide and join, and both senses can be found working in various usage definitions of the English verb as well as the English adjective.
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