extremity
noun
ex·trem·i·ty
ik-ˈstre-mə-tē 
plural extremities
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 Rev.
Saturday Rev.
b
: the utmost degree (as of emotion or pain)
4
: a drastic or desperate act or measure
driven to extremities
Examples of extremity in a Sentence
The extremity of her grief is impossible to imagine.
made offers of aid to the refugees, and of asylum in extremity
Recent Examples on the Web
Placing our extremities in alternative positions to optimize the range of the skin, rather than just the joint, is one example of the specialized care to our survivors receive that directly impacts their functional recovery.
—Dr. Jaclyn M. Piselli, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026
Brown allegedly shot the two victims and multiple cars using an assault style weapon before police said a Mass State Trooper and an ex-Marine shot Brown in the extremities.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026
Instead, wash the bite with soap and water, keep the extremity that was bitten lower than the heart, cover the bite with a cool compress to reduce swelling, and call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
Brown is currently in custody in the hospital, recovering from gunshot wounds in his extremities.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for extremity
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Dr. Jaclyn M. Piselli, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026
Brown allegedly shot the two victims and multiple cars using an assault style weapon before police said a Mass State Trooper and an ex-Marine shot Brown in the extremities.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026
Instead, wash the bite with soap and water, keep the extremity that was bitten lower than the heart, cover the bite with a cool compress to reduce swelling, and call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
Brown is currently in custody in the hospital, recovering from gunshot wounds in his extremities.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for extremity
Cite this Entry
“Extremity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extremity. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
extremity
noun
ex·trem·i·ty
ik-ˈstrem-ət-ē
plural extremities
1
: the farthest limit, point, or part
2
: an end part of a limb of the body (as a hand or foot)
3
: an extreme degree (as of emotion or pain)
Medical Definition
extremity
noun
ex·trem·i·ty
ik-ˈstrem-ət-ē
plural extremities
1
: the farthest or most remote part, section, or point
2
: a limb of the body
especially
: a human hand or foot
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