extremity

ex·trem·i·ty

noun \ik-ˈstre-mə-tē\

plural ex·trem·i·ties

Definition of EXTREMITY

1

a : the farthest or most remote part, section, or point <the island's westernmost extremity> b : a limb of the body; especially : a human hand or foot

2

a : extreme danger or critical need b : a moment marked by imminent destruction or death

3

a : an intense degree <the extremity of his participation — Saturday Review> b : the utmost degree (as of emotion or pain)

4

: a drastic or desperate act or measure <driven to extremities>

Examples of EXTREMITY

1. The extremity of her grief is impossible to imagine.
2. <made offers of aid to the refugees, and of asylum in extremity>

First Known Use of EXTREMITY

14th century

Related to EXTREMITY

Synonyms: boiling point, breaking point, clutch, conjuncture, crisis, crossroad(s), crunch, crunch time, Dunkirk, exigency, emergency, flash point, head, juncture, tinderbox, zero hour

Related Words: contingency, possibility; climax, turning point; happening, landmark, milestone; condition, pass, situation, strait; deadlock, impasse, stalemate; corner, fix, hole, hot water, jam, last ditch, pinch, predicament, scrape, spot; eleventh hour, last minute

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Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral