extremity
noun
ex·trem·i·ty
ik-ˈstre-mə-tē 
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 participation.—
Saturday Rev.
Saturday 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
Short sessions may help with lower-extremity swelling in healthy people, and MD Anderson Cancer Center has pointed to low-intensity vibration as potentially helpful for cancer patients maintaining bone and muscle health.
—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Short sessions may help with lower-extremity swelling in otherwise healthy people, and MD Anderson Cancer Center has pointed to low-intensity vibration as potentially useful for cancer patients maintaining bone and muscle health.
—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2026
The Milky Way passes through the lower extremities of the Scorpion.
—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
26 June 2026
The pathologist documented extensive bruising and hemorrhage involving Joanna’s abdomen, flanks, back, buttocks, thighs and lower extremities, according to the affidavit.
—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for extremity
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Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Short sessions may help with lower-extremity swelling in otherwise healthy people, and MD Anderson Cancer Center has pointed to low-intensity vibration as potentially useful for cancer patients maintaining bone and muscle health.
—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2026
The Milky Way passes through the lower extremities of the Scorpion.
—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
26 June 2026
The pathologist documented extensive bruising and hemorrhage involving Joanna’s abdomen, flanks, back, buttocks, thighs and lower extremities, according to the affidavit.
—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for extremity
Cite this Entry
“Extremity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extremity. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
extremity
noun
ex·trem·i·ty
ik-ˈstrem-ət-ē
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
plural extremities
1
: the farthest or most remote part, section, or point
2
: a limb of the body
especially
: a human hand or foot
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