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.

b

: the utmost degree (as of emotion or pain)

4

: a drastic or desperate act or measure

driven to extremities

Synonyms

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

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

Other European countries are also bearing the brunt of weather extremities, such as Italy, where drought conditions and heatwaves have become more commonplace. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 6 Aug. 2024

Snacking on a bowl of almonds can reroute blood flow away from your brain, heart, and extremities, says Long. —Julia Ries, SELF, 14 Aug. 2024

Medications: Some drugs, like those used to treat high blood pressure, lead to water retention and extremity swelling. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 10 Aug. 2024

The suit and mannequin were mostly made from the same materials, with simple aluminum wire running throughout so the Wooden Man’s extremities and neck could be manipulated and bent. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids 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