- limb
-
limb1
—limbless, adj./lim/, n.1. a part or member of an animal body distinct from the head and trunk, as a leg, arm, or wing: the lower limbs; artificial limbs.2. a large or main branch of a tree.3. a projecting part or member: the four limbs of a cross.4. a person or thing regarded as a part, member, branch, offshoot, or scion of something: a limb of the central committee.5. Archery. the upper or lower part of a bow.6. Informal. a mischievous child, imp, or young scamp.7. out on a limb, in a dangerous or compromising situation; vulnerable: The company overextended itself financially and was soon out on a limb.v.t.8. to cut the limbs from (a felled tree).[bef. 900; ME, OE lim; akin to ON lim foliage, limr limb, limi rod, L limus aslant, limen threshold]limb2/lim/, n.1. Astron. the edge of the disk of the sun, a moon, or a planet.2. the graduated edge of a quadrant or similar instrument.3. Bot.a. the upper spreading part of a gamopetalous corolla.b. the expanded portion of a petal, sepal, or leaf.[1350-1400; ME < L limbus; see LIMBUS2, LIMBO1]
* * *
Universalium. 2010.