extremity

[ ik-strem-i-tee ]

noun

, plural ex·trem·i·ties.

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

   Synonyms: boundary, border, verge, termination, end

2. a limb of the body.
3. Usually extremities. the end part of a limb, as a hand or foot:

   to experience cold in one's extremities.

4. Often extremities. a condition or circumstance of extreme need, distress, etc.:

   to suffer the extremities of being poor.

5. the utmost or any extreme degree:

   the extremity of joy.

6. an extreme or extraordinary measure, act, etc.:

   to go to any extremity to feed the children.

7. extreme nature or character:

   the extremity of his views on foreign trade.

8. Archaic. a person's last moment before death.

extremity

/ ɪkˈstrɛmɪtɪ /

noun

1. the farthest or outermost point or section; termination
2. the greatest or most intense degree
3. an extreme condition or state, as of adversity or disease
4. a limb, such as a leg, arm, or wing, or the part of such a limb farthest from the trunk
5. archaic.
   usually plural a drastic or severe measure

Other Words From

• su·per·ex·trem·i·ty noun plural superextremities

Word History and Origins

Origin of extremity¹

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

Example Sentences

Lack of proper protection from the cold can lead to frostbite, which is inherently more common in your extremities.

From Popular-Science

Though the notion that we lose half our body heat through the head might be a medical myth, wearing a hat does help retain heat and protect our extremities such as the ears, which are sure to suffer first when it comes to the cold.

From Popular-Science

That means he or she kept pumping blood to the extremities and didn’t get enough to the brain.

From Outside Online

When the weather turns and the wind picks up, our bodies' extremities are the first to feel the chill.

From Popular-Science

The new study also linked the extremity of that heat wave to climate change.

From Science News For Students

“A lot of extremity you see in YA is merely attempting to capture the intensity” of being a teen, Lorentz says.

From The Daily Beast

“It is not implausible that a greater proportion of torso and extremity fat may protect against injury,” the report said.

From The Daily Beast

To do so missing an extremity is astonishing—and an inspiration.

From The Daily Beast

It is an important advance when the branching lines are set in a bunch-like arrangement at the extremity of the arm-line.

From Project Gutenberg

The next day, we rounded the north extremity of the Cumberland Islands.

From Project Gutenberg

It lives in the large intestine, especially the cecum, with its slender extremity embedded in the mucous membrane.

From Project Gutenberg

It kept as far as possible from the fort, and cast anchor at the most outward extremity of the bay.

From Project Gutenberg

Near the western extremity of the Island of Cuba, on the southern coast, is found one of the finest tobaccos in the world.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• terminus