extremity Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an external body part that projects from the body
    appendage; member.
    • it is important to keep the extremities warm
  2. noun an extreme condition or state (especially of adversity or disease)
  3. noun the greatest or utmost degree
    • the extremity of despair
  4. noun the outermost or farthest region or point
  5. noun that part of a limb that is farthest from the torso

WordNet

Ex*trem"i*ty noun
Etymology
L. extremitas: cf. F. extrémité.
Wordforms
plural Extremities()
Definitions
  1. The extreme part; the utmost limit; the farthest or remotest point or part; as, the extremities of a country.
    They sent fleets . . . to the extremities of Ethiopia. Arbuthnot.
  2. (Zoöl.) One of locomotive appendages of an animal; a limb; a leg or an arm of man.
  3. The utmost point; highest degree; most aggravated or intense form. "The extremity of bodily pain." Ray.
  4. The highest degree of inconvenience, pain, or suffering; greatest need or peril; extreme need; necessity.
    Divers evils and extremities that follow upon such a compulsion shall here be set in view. Milton.
    Upon mere extremity he summoned this last Parliament. Milton.
    Syn. -- Verge; border; extreme; end; termination.

Webster 1913