extremity

noun

ex·​trem·​i·​ty ik-ˈstre-mə-tē How to pronounce extremity (audio)
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 participationSaturday Rev.
b
: the utmost degree (as of emotion or pain)
4
: a drastic or desperate act or measure
driven to extremities

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The good news is that the tight end was showing movement in his extremities, but the medical staff immediately placed him on a backboard to be carted off the field. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2024 Castro said the sergeant, whose name was not released, suffered bullet wounds to his lower extremities. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2024 An ensemble of life sized characters with missing legs and mismatched extremities sit across the bar. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Oct. 2024 The man, also struck in his lower extremities, remains hospitalized. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for extremity 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of extremity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near extremity

Cite this Entry

“Extremity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extremity. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

extremity

noun
ex·​trem·​i·​ty ik-ˈstrem-ət-ē How to pronounce extremity (audio)
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 How to pronounce extremity (audio)
plural extremities
1
: the farthest or most remote part, section, or point
2
: a limb of the body
especially : a human hand or foot

More from Merriam-Webster on extremity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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