extremity
[ik-strem-i-tee]
- 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.
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Origin of extremity
Synonyms
See more synonyms for extremity on Thesaurus.com1. end, termination; verge; border, boundary.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for extremity
Contemporary Examples
“A lot of extremity you see in YA is merely attempting to capture the intensity” of being a teen, Lorentz says.
“It is not implausible that a greater proportion of torso and extremity fat may protect against injury,” the report said.
To do so missing an extremity is astonishing—and an inspiration.
Historical Examples
Mary's usual quickness was not lacking even now, in this period of extremity.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
Thus driven to extremity, the Melians surrendered at discretion.
Stories from ThucydidesH. L. Havell
At this moment a rumour was heard at the extremity of the long hall.
Gomez AriasJoaqun Telesforo de Trueba y Coso
Perhaps a man never sees so much at a glance as when he is in a situation of extremity.
Barnaby RudgeCharles Dickens
It is rarely necessary, however, to go to such an extremity as suicide.
Commercialism and JournalismHamilton Holt
extremity
- 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
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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
n.
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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
extremity
(ĭk-strĕm′ĭ-tē)- An end of an elongated or pointed structure.
- A bodily limb or appendage.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.