EXTREMITY

extremity, appendage, member

(noun) an external body part that projects from the body; “it is important to keep the extremities warm”

extremity

(noun) that part of a limb that is farthest from the torso

extremity

(noun) the outermost or farthest region or point

extremity

(noun) the greatest or utmost degree; “the extremity of despair”

extremity

(noun) an extreme condition or state (especially of adversity or disease)

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

extremity (countable and uncountable, plural extremities or extremitys) (obsolete)

The most extreme or furthest point of something. [from c. 1400]

An extreme measure.

A hand or foot. [from early 15th c.]

A limb (“major appendage of a human or animal such as an arm, leg, or wing”). [from early 15th c.]

Synonyms

• (furthest point): tip

• (major appendage of human or animal): appendage, limb

Source: Wiktionary


Ex*trem"i*ty, n.; pl. Extremities(. Etym: [L. extremitas: cf. F. extrémité.]

1. The extreme part; the utmost limit; the farthest or remotest point or part; as, the extremities of a country. They sent fleets . . . to the extremities of Ethiopia. Arbuthnot.

2. (Zoöl.)

Definition: One of locomotive appendages of an animal; a limb; a leg or an arm of man.

3. The utmost point; highest degree; most aggravated or intense form. "The extremity of bodily pain." Ray.

4. The highest degree of inconvenience, pain, or suffering; greatest need or peril; extreme need; necessity. Divers evils and extremities that follow upon such a compulsion shall here be set in view. Milton. Upon mere extremity he summoned this last Parliament. Milton.

Syn.

– Verge; border; extreme; end; termination.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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