limb
1a part or member of an animal body distinct from the head and trunk, as a leg, arm, or wing: the lower limbs;artificial limbs.
a large or main branch of a tree.
a projecting part or member: the four limbs of a cross.
a person or thing regarded as a part, member, branch, offshoot, or scion of something: a limb of the central committee.
Archery. the upper or lower part of a bow.
Informal. a mischievous child, imp, or young scamp.
to cut the limbs from (a felled tree).
Idioms about limb
out on a limb, in a dangerous or compromising situation; vulnerable: The company overextended itself financially and was soon out on a limb.
Origin of limb
1synonym study For limb
Other words for limb
Other words from limb
- limb·less, adjective
Words that may be confused with limb
- limb , limn
Other definitions for limb (2 of 2)
Astronomy. the edge of the disk of the sun, a moon, or a planet.
the graduated edge of a quadrant or similar instrument.
Botany.
the upper spreading part of a gamopetalous corolla.
the expanded portion of a petal, sepal, or leaf.
Origin of limb
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for limb (1 of 2)
/ (lɪm) /
an arm or leg, or the analogous part on an animal, such as a wing
any of the main branches of a tree
a branching or projecting section or member; extension
a person or thing considered to be a member, part, or agent of a larger group or thing
mainly British a mischievous child (esp in limb of Satan or limb of the devil)
out on a limb
in a precarious or questionable position
British isolated, esp because of unpopular opinions
(tr) a rare word for dismember
Origin of limb
1Derived forms of limb
- limbless, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for limb (2 of 2)
/ (lɪm) /
the edge of the apparent disc of the sun, a moon, or a planet
a graduated arc attached to instruments, such as the sextant, used for measuring angles
botany
the expanded upper part of a bell-shaped corolla
the expanded part of a leaf, petal, or sepal
either of the two halves of a bow
Also called: fold limb either of the sides of a geological fold
Origin of limb
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for limb
[ lĭm ]
One of the appendages of an animal, such as an arm of a starfish, the flipper of dolphins, or the arm and leg of a human, used for locomotion or grasping.
The expanded tip of a plant organ, such as a petal or corolla lobe.
The circumferential edge of the apparent disk of a celestial body.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Other Idioms and Phrases with limb
see out on a limb; risk life and limb.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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