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limb 1  (lĭm)
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Tweet n. 1. One of the larger branches of a tree. 2. One of the jointed appendages of an animal, such as an arm, leg, wing, or flipper, used for locomotion or grasping. 3. An extension or a projecting part, as of a building or mountain range. 4. a. An extension or part distinguished from the main body or group: the conservative limb of the party. b. A member or representative of a group: was arrested by a burly limb of the law. 5. Archaic An impish child. tr.v. limbed, limb·ing, limbs Idiom: To remove the branches from. (out) on a limb Informal In a difficult, awkward, or vulnerable position. [Alteration (probably influenced by LIMB2) of Middle English lim, from Old English.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
limb 2 (lĭm)
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Tweet n. 1. Astronomy The circumferential edge of the apparent disk of a celestial body. 2. Mathematics The edge of a graduated arc or circle used in an instrument to measure angles. 3. Botany The expanded tip of a plant organ, such as a petal or corolla lobe. [Middle English limbe, graduated edge of an astronomical instrument, from Old French, from Latin limbus, border.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
