extremity

American  

[ik-strem-i-tee] / ɪkˈstrɛm ɪ ti /

noun

extremities plural

1. the extreme or terminal point, limit, or part of something.

   Synonyms:

   boundary, border, verge, termination, end

2. a limb of the body.

3. Usually extremities. the end part of a limb, as a hand or foot.

   to experience cold in one's extremities.

4. Often extremities. a condition or circumstance of extreme need, distress, etc..

   to suffer the extremities of being poor.

5. the utmost or any extreme degree.

   the extremity of joy.

6. an extreme or extraordinary measure, act, etc..

   to go to any extremity to feed the children.

7. extreme nature or character.

   the extremity of his views on foreign trade.

8. Archaic. a person's last moment before death.

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extremity British  

/ ɪkˈstrɛmɪtɪ /

noun

1. the farthest or outermost point or section; termination

2. the greatest or most intense degree

3. an extreme condition or state, as of adversity or disease

4. a limb, such as a leg, arm, or wing, or the part of such a limb farthest from the trunk

5. archaic (usually plural) a drastic or severe measure

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Other Word Forms

• superextremity
  noun

Etymology

Origin of extremity

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English word from Latin word extrēmitās. See extreme, -ity

Explanation

An extremity is a limb or appendage of the body, particularly the hands and feet. If the weather is cold, you have to be sure to protect your extremities from frostbite by wearing gloves, warm socks, and boots. The noun extremity also means the outermost point or part — the one that's farthest away. Nauset Light Beach on Cape Cod, for example, is the easternmost extremity in the state of Massachusetts. Extremity can also refer to the greatest degree, especially of an emotion or physical feeling. The extremity of the pain in your ankle might make you realize you should go to the emergency room for x-rays.

Example Sentences

On behalf of Bosh's next of kin, Mark Stewart KC said: "People might wonder and ask why it is that police officers who are armed do not shoot to injure by shooting an extremity."

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.

From Slate • Jul. 18, 2025

McSpadden also cited the ongoing efforts to reintroduce jaguars to the southern extremity of Ibera Argentina.

From Salon • May 31, 2024

In the U.S., more than 160,000 lower extremity amputations are performed annually due to complications from diabetic foot ulcers, costing the American health system about $30 billion a year.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2024

Thorold tried to comfort her, but he didn’t know the reason for her extremity of grief, and could only pat her shoulder nervously.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman

Related Words

• terminus