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
The other hallmark symptoms include swelling—especially around the lips, eyelids or extremities—and a burning or stinging sensation in affected areas.
—Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 23 July 2025
Numbness, weakness, tingling, or skin changes (e.g., colder or pale/blue skin tone)
Slow-healing wounds or sores
Hair thinning on the affected extremity
Renal artery stenosis is characterized by the accumulation of plaque in the arteries that deliver oxygen-rich blood to the kidneys.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 20 July 2025
Physical examination and ultrasound can detect peripheral vascular disease (blood vessel disease in your extremities).
—Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
This leads to blood pooling in the lower extremities, causing discomfort and potential complications if left untreated.
—Amanda Castro
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for extremity
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Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 23 July 2025
Numbness, weakness, tingling, or skin changes (e.g., colder or pale/blue skin tone)
Slow-healing wounds or sores
Hair thinning on the affected extremity
Renal artery stenosis is characterized by the accumulation of plaque in the arteries that deliver oxygen-rich blood to the kidneys.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 20 July 2025
Physical examination and ultrasound can detect peripheral vascular disease (blood vessel disease in your extremities).
—Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
This leads to blood pooling in the lower extremities, causing discomfort and potential complications if left untreated.
—Amanda Castro
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
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 Aug. 2025.
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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