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

History and Etymology for limb

Noun (1)

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

Verb

see limb entry 1

Noun (2)

Latin limbus border

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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