limb

noun (1)

\ ˈlim

Definition of limb

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : one of the projecting paired appendages (such as wings) of an animal body used especially for movement and grasping but sometimes modified into sensory or sexual organs

b : a leg or arm of a human being combat soldiers who had lost limbs

2 : a large primary branch of a tree

3 : an active member or agent a limb of the law

4 : extension, branch a limb of the sea

5 : a mischievous child

out on a limb

: in an exposed or dangerous position with little chance of retreat

limb

verb

limbed; limbing; limbs

Definition of limb (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : dismember

2 : to cut off the limbs of (a felled tree)

limb

noun (2)

Definition of limb (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : the outer edge of the apparent disk of a celestial body

2 : the expanded portion of an organ or structure especially : the upper spreading portion of a corolla (as of the phlox) whose lower part consists of a tube of fused petals

Other Words from limb Phrases Containing limb Learn More About limb

Other Words from limb

Noun (1)

limbless \ ˈlim-ləs

\ adjective

limby \ ˈli-mē

\ adjective

First Known Use of limb

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

circa 1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for limb

Noun (1) and Verb

Middle English lim, from Old English; akin to Old Norse limr limb and perhaps to Old English lith limb

Noun (2)

Latin limbus border

Learn More About limb

Dictionary Entries Near limb

Limay

limb

limba

Statistics for limb

Cite this Entry

“Limb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limb. Accessed 8 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for limb

limb

noun

\ ˈlim

Kids Definition of limb

1 : any of the paired parts (as an arm, wing, or leg) of an animal that stick out from the body and are used mostly in moving and grasping

2 : a large branch of a tree

Other Words from limb

limbed \ ˈlimd \ adjective

limbless \ ˈlim-ləs \ adjective

limb

noun

\ ˈlim

Medical Definition of limb

1 : one of the projecting paired appendages (as an arm, wing, fin, or parapodium) of an animal body made up of diverse tissues (as epithelium, muscle, and bone) derived from two or more germ layers and concerned especially with movement and grasping but sometimes modified into sensory or sexual organs especially : a human leg or arm

2 : a branch or arm of something (as an anatomical part) the descending limb of Henle's loop