The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

4.8

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Upgrade Your Vocabulary With Our Best-Selling Book:

limb

noun

/lɪm/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of limb

A major appendage or extremity of the human body or an animal.
"He injured his leg and had to use crutches to support his limb."

Detailed meaning of limb

It typically denotes the arms or legs, including the upper and lower extremities. Limbs are vital for movement, manipulation, and interaction with the environment. In humans, each limb consists of multiple parts, such as the upper arm, forearm, and hand for the arms, and the thigh, leg, and foot for the legs. These limbs are interconnected through joints and muscles, allowing for a wide range of motion and functionality. Additionally, "limb" can also refer to the branches or offshoots of a tree or plant. In this context, limbs are the woody extensions that sprout from the main trunk, supporting leaves, flowers, and fruits. Overall, the noun "limb" signifies a crucial anatomical structure or branch that enables mobility, dexterity, and growth in both humans and animals.

Example sentences containing limb

1. The monkey skillfully swung from limb to limb in the jungle.
2. The gymnast gracefully extended her limb to perform a split.
3. The doctor examined the patient's broken limb and ordered an X-ray.
4. The tree's branches extended far, providing ample shade from each limb.
5. The prosthetic limb allowed the amputee to regain mobility and independence.
6. The bird perched on a low limb, singing a melodious tune.

History and etymology of limb

The noun 'limb' has an etymology that can be traced back to Old English. It finds its roots in the Old English word 'lim,' which originally meant 'branch' or 'main branch of a tree.' This sense of branching and division is reflected in the structure of the human body and animal anatomy, where limbs are major appendages or extremities that branch out from the central torso. The term 'limb' evolved from its botanical sense to encompass the arms and legs of humans and animals, emphasizing their structural similarity to the branching limbs of a tree. Therefore, when we delve into the etymology of 'limb,' we see how it encapsulates the concept of a major appendage or extremity of the human body or an animal, stemming from its historical association with tree branches.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun limb:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of limb

1. The surgeon successfully performed a complex operation to repair the damaged limb.
2. The squirrel tightly clung to the tree limb while munching on a nut.
3. The yoga instructor guided the class to stretch each limb gently.
4. The octopus uses its tentacles as limbs to explore and capture prey.
5. The child's curiosity led them to reach out and touch the soft limb of a flower.
6. The gymnast displayed incredible flexibility in every limb.
7. He injured his left limb during a soccer match.
8. The surgeon successfully reattached the severed limb.
9. A chimpanzee's limb structure is similar to that of humans.
10. The tree's limb hung precariously over the roof.
11. The accident left him with a permanent limp in his limb.
12. A spider can regenerate a lost limb over time.
13. The octopus has remarkable regenerating abilities in each limb.
14. The hiker needed to navigate through dense undergrowth, avoiding limb hazards.
15. Birds rely on their limb adaptations for various forms of locomotion.
16. The creature's claw-like limb grasped its prey tightly.
17. The tree's limb provided a sturdy perch for the owl.
18. The rehabilitation program aimed to strengthen her injured limb.
19. The tree's limb bore the scars of years of harsh weather.
20. The squirrel used its limb dexterity to effortlessly navigate the branches.
21. The prosthetic limb allowed him to regain mobility.
22. The elephant's powerful limb uprooted a massive tree.
23. The diver lost feeling in his limb after prolonged exposure to cold water.
24. The monkey swung gracefully from limb to limb in the jungle.
25. The tree's limb served as a makeshift swing for the children.