Main Entry: ¹arm

Pronunciation: \ˈärm\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English earm; akin to Latin armus shoulder, Sanskrit īrma arm

Date: before 12th century

1 : a human upper limb; especially : the part between the shoulder and the wrist
2 : something like or corresponding to an arm: as a : the forelimb of a vertebrate b : a limb of an invertebrate animal c : a branch or lateral shoot of a plant d : a slender part of a structure, machine, or an instrument projecting from a main part, axis, or fulcrum e : the end of a ship's yard; also : the part of an anchor from the crown to the fluke — see anchor illustration f : any of the usually two parts of a chromosome lateral to the centromere
3 : an inlet of water (as from the sea)
4 : a narrow extension of a larger area, mass, or group
5 : power, might <the long arm of the law>
6 : a support (as on a chair) for the elbow and forearm
7 : sleeve
8 : the ability to throw or pitch a ball well; also : a player having such ability
9 : a functional division of a group, organization, institution, or activity <the logistical arm of the air force>

— arm·less \ˈärm-ləs\ adjective

— arm·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

— arm in arm : with arms linked together <walked down the street arm in arm>