Limb

Definition

A limb is an appendage of the body of an animal, such as an arm, leg, wing, or flipper. In botany, it can refer to a large branch of a tree.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /lɪm/
• Respelling: LIM (with "LIM" as in "him")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /lɪm/
• Respelling: LIM (with "LIM" as in "him")

In both dialects, "limb" places the primary stress on the entire word, "LIM." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "LIM."

Etymology

The word "limb" has origins in Old Norse "limr" meaning "limb", which is similar to the Old English word "lim", referring to a limb or main branch of a tree.

Derivatives

• Limbed
• Limbless
• Limber
• Limblike
• Out on a limb (idiomatic expression)

Synonyms

• Appendage
• Extremity
• Member

Antonyms

• Torso
• Trunk
• Core

Usage

Limb is used to describe the arms and legs of humans and other animals, as well as large branches of trees in botanical contexts.

Related Terms

• Extremity: The furthest point or limit of something, especially a limb of the body.
• Appendage: A thing that is added or attached to something larger or more important, often a body part.
• Branch: A part of a tree that grows out from the trunk or from a bough.

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Limb (Noun): An appendage of the body, such as an arm, leg, wing, or flipper.
  • Example: "The bird injured its limb and was unable to fly."

• Limb (Noun): A large branch of a tree.
  • Example: "He climbed out onto the limb to retrieve the kite."