Definition

Adjective 1. Having limbs: Possessing limbs (arms, legs, or analogous projecting parts). 2. Having limbs of a specified kind: Used in combination with another word (e.g., an adjective) to describe the nature of the limbs.

Usage

• The word "limbed" is almost always used in combination with another descriptive word to form a compound adjective. It is rarely used alone.
• The hyphenated combination (e.g., ) functions as a single adjective to modify a noun.

Examples

• The statue was a beautifully limbed figure carved from marble. (Having limbs)
• He was a strong-limbed athlete, capable of great feats of strength. (Having strong limbs)
• The robot was a multi-limbed machine designed for complex assembly tasks. (Having many limbs)
• She admired the long-limbed grace of the dancers. (Having long limbs)
• The old, gnarled-limbed oak tree stood sentinel in the field. (Having gnarled limbs)

Advanced Usage

• "Limbed" can be used figuratively to describe objects or structures that have projecting parts resembling limbs.
  • The many-limbed coral provided shelter for small fish.
• The opposite concept is typically expressed with the prefix "a-" as in limbless.

Variants and Related Words

• -limbed (suffix): Used to form compound adjectives. The first part of the compound specifies a quality (e.g., long, short, powerful, spindly).
• Limb (noun): An arm, leg, or wing; a large branch of a tree.
• Limbless (adjective): Having no limbs.

Synonyms

• Having appendages
• Having extremities
• Branched (for trees or structures)

Antonyms

• Limbless

Adjective

1. having or as if having limbs, especially limbs of a specified kind (usually used in combination)
   • strong-limbed