limb
1[ lim ]
/ lɪm /
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noun
verb (used with object)
to cut the limbs from (a felled tree).
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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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Idioms for 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
1before 900; Middle English, Old English lim; akin to Old Norse lim foliage, limr limb, līmi rod, Latin līmus aslant, līmen threshold
synonym study for limb
2. See branch.
OTHER WORDS FROM limb
limbless, adjectiveWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH limb
limb , limnWords nearby limb
Definition for limb (2 of 2)
limb2
[ lim ]
/ lɪm /
noun
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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for limb
British Dictionary definitions for limb (1 of 2)
Derived forms of limb
limbless, adjectiveWord Origin for limb
Old English lim; related to Old Norse limr
British Dictionary definitions for limb (2 of 2)
limb2
/ (lɪm) /
noun
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
Word Origin for limb
C15: from Latin limbus edge
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
Medical definitions for limb
limb
[ lĭm ]
n.
One of the paired jointed extremities of the body; an arm or a leg.
A segment of such a jointed structure.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for limb
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.
Idioms and Phrases with limb
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.