article

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːtɪk(ə)l/

noun

  • 1a particular item or object: small household articles articles of clothing
  • 2a piece of writing included with others in a newspaper, magazine, or other publication: an article about middle-aged executives
  • 3a separate clause or paragraph of a legal document or agreement, typically one outlining a single rule or regulation: it is an offence under Article 7 of the Treaty
  • 4 (articles) British a period of training with a firm as a solicitor, architect, surveyor, or accountant: he is already in articles it may be worth taking articles in a specialized firm
  • the terms on which crew members take service on a ship.

verb

[with object] British
  • bind (a trainee solicitor, architect, surveyor, or accountant) to undergo a period of training with a firm in order to become qualified: he was articled to a firm of solicitors in York

Phrases

an article of faith

a firmly held belief: it was an article of faith with this circle that women must free themselves

article of virtu

see virtu.

the finished article

something that is complete and ready for use: the ground is beginning to look like the finished article

the genuine article

a person or thing considered to be an authentic and excellent example of their kind: he recognized the genuine article when he saw it

Origin:

Middle English (denoting a separate clause of the Apostles' Creed): from Old French, from Latin articulus 'small connecting part', diminutive of artus 'joint'

Grammar

A term used in traditional grammar. It consists of these words:

a, anindefinite article
thedefinite article
Articles form part of a larger group of words known as determiners.

Spelling help

The ending of article is spelled -cle.

a clever newspaper article.