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limb

/lim/
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The word "limb" is a noun that has several meanings, but it generally refers to a part that sticks out or extends from something. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand it better:

Basic Meaning:
  1. Body Part: In a biological sense, a "limb" refers to a large, jointed part of an animal's body, such as an arm or a leg. For example, humans have four limbs: two arms and two legs.

    • Example: "After the accident, he had to go through physical therapy to regain strength in his limb."
  2. Tree Branch: It can also mean a large branch of a tree.

    • Example: "The cat climbed up to a high limb of the tree."
  3. Other Uses:

    • In instruments, like a compass or a sextant, a "limb" refers to a part that helps in measuring angles.
    • In astronomy, it can refer to the edge of the visible part of the sun, moon, or a planet.
Advanced Usage:
  • In more technical contexts, "limb" can refer to parts of various tools or devices, such as the "limb" of a bow, which is the part from the handle to the tip.
Word Variants:
  • The word "limbed" can be used as an adjective. For example, "long-limbed" describes someone with long arms and legs.
  • The verb form is not commonly used, but you could say "limbing" when referring to trimming branches off a tree.
Different Meanings:
  • When used figuratively, "limb" might describe something that is an extension of a larger system, like a "limb of a committee" (a subgroup).
Synonyms:
  • For limbs as body parts: appendage, arm, leg, wing, flipper.
  • For tree branches: bough, branch.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "limb" does not have widely used idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you might hear phrases like "to go out on a limb," which means to take a risk or make a bold decision.

Usage Instructions:
  • When using the word "limb," think about the context: are you talking about a part of the body, a tree branch, or something more technical? Make sure the meaning fits your sentence.
Noun
  1. any projection that is thought to resemble a human arm
    • the arm of the record player
    • an arm of the sea
    • a branch of the sewer
  2. the graduated arc that is attached to an instrument for measuring angles
    • the limb of the sextant
  3. either of the two halves of a bow from handle to tip
    • the upper limb of the bow
  4. (astronomy) the circumferential edge of the apparent disc of the sun or the moon or a planet
  5. any of the main branches arising from the trunk or a bough of a tree
  6. one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping: arm; leg; wing; flipper

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