extremity

noun

ex·​trem·​i·​ty ik-ˈstre-mə-tē How to pronounce extremity (audio)
plural extremities
1
a
: the farthest or most remote part, section, or point
the island's westernmost extremity
b
: a limb of the body
especially : a human hand or foot
2
a
: extreme danger or critical need
b
: a moment marked by imminent destruction or death
3
a
: an intense degree
the extremity of his participationSaturday Rev.
b
: the utmost degree (as of emotion or pain)
4
: a drastic or desperate act or measure
driven to extremities

Examples of extremity in a Sentence

The extremity of her grief is impossible to imagine. made offers of aid to the refugees, and of asylum in extremity
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What shocked me the most was the extremity of her vulnerability. Sarah Hagi, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024 Carson Beck, quarterback for Georgia, left the game with an upper extremity injury and did not return in the second half. Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024 Symptoms of hypothermia include red skin, tingling sensations in the extremities and a core body temperature below 95 degrees. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 Avalos showed up later that day at a hospital, where he was treated for wounds to his lower extremities. Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for extremity 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of extremity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near extremity

Cite this Entry

“Extremity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extremity. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

extremity

noun
ex·​trem·​i·​ty ik-ˈstrem-ət-ē How to pronounce extremity (audio)
plural extremities
1
: the farthest limit, point, or part
2
: an end part of a limb of the body (as a hand or foot)
3
: an extreme degree (as of emotion or pain)

Medical Definition

extremity

noun
ex·​trem·​i·​ty ik-ˈstrem-ət-ē How to pronounce extremity (audio)
plural extremities
1
: the farthest or most remote part, section, or point
2
: a limb of the body
especially : a human hand or foot

More from Merriam-Webster on extremity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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