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.
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 Research has linked magnesium deficiency with numbness or tingling, especially in your extremities, and peripheral nerve injuries caused by inflammation.12 Magnesium helps regulate calcium levels in nerve cells, which is essential for regular nerve transmission. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 23 Dec. 2024 The young Calgary Flames netminder stretches his extremities, christens his crease by squirting it with whatever’s in his water bottle and might momentarily skate around his net. Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 18 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 3 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!