limb

Arm or leg

A limb is an arm or leg—any of the major appendages extending from the body.

The word extends to the main branches of a tree: The storm brought down several limbs.

To go out on a limb is to take a risk by committing to an uncertain position, like venturing onto a branch that might break.

Limb from limb describes violent dismemberment.

anatomy

arm

Upper body limb

legAmbulatory limb
forearmArm's lower half
thighLeg between hip, knee

calf · shin · upper arm · appendage · extremity · forelimb · digit · finger · toe · thumb

animal

wing

Limb enabling flight

finAquatic propulsion appendage
flipperMarine animal's swimming limb
pawAnimal's clawed foot

hoof · claw · tentacle · antenna · fluke · pincer · leg · foreleg · hind leg · talon

mobility

prosthesis

Manufactured replacement body part

prostheticManufactured body substitute
amputationSurgical limb removal
amputeeOne without a limb

rehabilitation · mobility · assistive · orthopedic · brace · splint · cast · sling · crutch · walker

branch

bough

Main tree limb

branchDivision or woody limb
twigSlender woody shoot
offshootDerivative outgrowth

outgrowth · overhanging · deadwood · pruning · lopping · swing · perch · canopy · gnarled · leafy

idiom

risk

Possibility of harm

vulnerableOpen to attack
exposedOut in open
precariousDangerously insecure

tear · rip · dismember · danger · peril · jeopardy

Categories

bodyflesh, skin, bones, muscle, bone
branchesbough, twig, sprig, shoot, offshoot
robot partsarm, grippers, gripper, actuators, actuator
tree branchesbough, twig, main branch, fork, leader
offshootsoffshoot, outgrowth, branch, spinoff, shoot
body partsarm, leg, hand, back, chest

Opposites

body part relation

Body without limbs

trunk · core · whole · body · midsection

tree part relation

Main stem or storage

roots · bole · taproot · main stem · root

wholeness

Full and undivided

Phrases

out on a limbIn a risky position
go out on a limbTake a risk
going out on a limbRisking reputation for belief
went out on a limbActed despite uncertain outcome
hind limbsBack pair of legs
gone out on a limbTaken a risky stance

Family

climb, climbing, climber, limbs, limber, limbed, limbless

Familiarity: Top 20,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G