limb

noun \ ˈlim \

Definition of limb

1 a : 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

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limbless

play \ˈlim-ləs\ adjective

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limby

play \ˈli-mē\ adjective

— out on a limb

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

Origin and Etymology of limb

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, composite, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

limb

verb

Definition of limb

transitive verb

1 : dismember

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

Origin and Etymology of limb

see ¹limb

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1674

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Wood Production Terms

cord, lumber, punk

limb

noun

Definition of limb

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

Origin and Etymology of limb

Latin limbus border

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1677

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

LIMB Defined for Kids

limb

noun \ ˈlim \

Definition of limb for Students

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

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limbed

\ˈlimd\ adjective

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limbless

\ˈlim-ləs\ adjective

Medical Dictionary

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)