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extremity

[ik-strem-i-tee]

noun, plural ex·trem·i·ties.

the extreme or terminal point, limit, or part of something.

a limb of the body.

Usually, extremities. the end part of a limb, as a hand or foot: to experience cold in one's extremities.

Often, extremities. a condition or circumstance of extreme need, distress, etc.: to suffer the extremities of being poor.

the utmost or any extreme degree: the extremity of joy.

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an extreme or extraordinary measure, act, etc.: to go to any extremity to feed the children.

extreme nature or character: the extremity of his views on foreign trade.

Archaic. a person's last moment before death.

COLLAPSE

Origin:
1325–75; Middle English < Latin extrēmitās. See extreme, -ity

Related forms

su·per·ex·trem·i·ty, noun, plural su·per·ex·trem·i·ties.

Synonyms
1. end, termination; verge; border, boundary.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Link To extremity

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Extremity is always a great word to know.

So is doohickey. Does it mean:

a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.

a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.

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Example Sentences

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have pain or difficulty straightening a joint or extremity.

However, the extremity of the cost does create a strong disincentive.

Lower extremity venography is a test used to see the veins in the leg.

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Collins

World English Dictionary

extremity (ɪkˈstrɛmɪtɪ)

—n , pl -ties
1.	the farthest or outermost point or section; termination
2.	the greatest or most intense degree
3.	an extreme condition or state, as of adversity or disease
4.	a limb, such as a leg, arm, or wing, or the part of such a limb farthest from the trunk
5.	archaic (usually plural) a drastic or severe measure

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

extremity

late 14c., from O.Fr. extremite, from L. extremitatem, from extremus; see extreme, the etymological sense of which is better preserved in this word.

American Heritage

Medical Dictionary

extremity ex·trem·i·ty (ĭk-strěm'ĭ-tē)
n.

An end of an elongated or pointed structure.
A bodily limb or appendage.

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