forelimb

noun

fore·​limb ˈfȯr-ˌlim How to pronounce forelimb (audio)
: a limb (such as an arm, wing, fin, or leg) that is situated anteriorly
the forelimb of a bat

Examples of forelimb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Most of the body and part of the tail are visible in the fossil, in addition to the eyes, nerves, and a forelimb. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2024 Her injuries were consistent with those found in modern humans who reach their hands out toward the ground to break a fall: greenstick fractures across both forelimb bones, the radius and the ulna. Carly Miller, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 Griffins are depicted with proportionate limbs with strong claws; Protoceratops had shorter forelimbs than hindlimbs and blunt claws. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 25 June 2024 And the unusual forelimbs, or wing bones, of Imparavis were another remarkable feature of its anatomy. Tara Wu, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for forelimb 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forelimb was circa 1796

Dictionary Entries Near forelimb

Cite this Entry

“Forelimb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forelimb. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

forelimb

noun
fore·​limb -ˌlim How to pronounce forelimb (audio)
: an arm, fin, wing, or leg that is one of a front pair of limbs or corresponds to one

Medical Definition

forelimb

noun
fore·​limb -ˌlim How to pronounce forelimb (audio)
: a limb (as an arm, fin, wing, or leg) that is situated anteriorly

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