extremity

[ ik-strem-i-tee ]

/ ɪkˈstrɛm ɪ ti /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR extremity ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural ex·trem·i·ties.

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

a limb of the body.

Usually extremities. the end part of a limb, as a hand or foot: to experience cold in one's extremities.

Often extremities. a condition or circumstance of extreme need, distress, etc.: to suffer the extremities of being poor.

the utmost or any extreme degree: the extremity of joy.

an extreme or extraordinary measure, act, etc.: to go to any extremity to feed the children.

extreme nature or character: the extremity of his views on foreign trade.

Archaic. a person's last moment before death.

Nearby words

Origin of extremity

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

SYNONYMS FOR extremity

1. end, termination; verge; border, boundary.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR extremity ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formssu·per·ex·trem·i·ty, noun, plural su·per·ex·trem·i·ties.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for extremity

“A lot of extremity you see in YA is merely attempting to capture the intensity” of being a teen, Lorentz says.
The War Inside: Terrorism & Teenhood in ‘No Dawn Without Darkness’|Hugh Ryan|August 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“It is not implausible that a greater proportion of torso and extremity fat may protect against injury,” the report said.
Why Are We Fat? Let's Blame Cars|David Frum|April 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
To do so missing an extremity is astonishing—and an inspiration.
George W. Bush Leads Wounded Warriors Ride|Mark McKinnon|April 29, 2011|DAILY BEAST
In her extremity she saw the mouth of the alley, dodged in, and was safe.
The Battle with the Slum|Jacob A. Riis.

I studied his eyes with a new professional interest, which even the extremity of our danger could not wholly banish.
The Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu|Sax Rohmer
In this extremity Sieys chose as minister of police the old Terrorist Fouch, who best understood how to deal with his brethren.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 2|Various
This extremity is terrible, but we are forced to submit to it, if we desire to enjoy the fruit of our rude labours in peace.
The Trappers of Arkansas|Gustave Aimard
Nature is a wonderful thing, and great are its resources in extremity.
Benita, An African Romance|H. Rider Haggard

British Dictionary definitions for extremity

extremity

/ (ɪkˈstrɛmɪtɪ) /

noun plural -ties

the farthest or outermost point or section; termination

the greatest or most intense degree

an extreme condition or state, as of adversity or disease

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

(usually plural) archaic a drastic or severe measure

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for extremity

extremity

late 14c., from Old French estremite (13c.), from Latin extremitatem (nominative extremitas) "the end of a thing," from extremus; see extreme, the etymological sense of which is better preserved in this word.

Medicine definitions for extremity

extremity

[ ĭk-strĕm′ĭ-tē ]

n.

An end of an elongated or pointed structure.

A bodily limb or appendage.

extremity

noun, plural ex·trem·i·ties.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of extremity

Examples from the Web for extremity

extremity

noun plural -ties

extremity

extremity

n.