noun
extremity
ihk-STREH-mih-tee
Extremity (noun) means the furthest or outermost point of something. Example: “The lighthouse sits at the southern extremity of the island.”
noun
1
The furthest or outermost point of something.
"The lighthouse sits at the southern extremity of the island."
2
A hand, foot, or limb of the body.
"Frostbite usually affects the extremities first — fingers, toes, ears, and nose."
3
A situation of extreme difficulty or urgency; a drastic measure.
"In their extremity, the villagers turned to whatever help they could find."
How to use extremity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe very end or edge of something — physically (a limb, a location) or figuratively (a crisis).
Common pairings
the extremities
in one's extremity
southern extremity
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Word forms
- Plural
- extremities, extremitys
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The lighthouse sits at the southern _____ of the island.
Etymology
From Latin extrēmitās, "furthest point," built on extrēmus ("outermost") — the same root as "extreme."
Related words
Rhymes for extremity
See all rhymes for extremity →Frequently asked questions
What does “extremity” mean?
The word “extremity” means the furthest or outermost point of something. In plain terms, the very end or edge of something — physically (a limb, a location) or figuratively (a crisis).
How do you pronounce “extremity”?
“Extremity” is pronounced ihk-STREH-mih-tee (/ɪkˈstɹɛməti/ in IPA).
How do you use “extremity” in a sentence?
Here is “extremity” used in a sentence: “The lighthouse sits at the southern extremity of the island.”
What part of speech is “extremity”?
“Extremity” is a noun.
Where does the word “extremity” come from?
The word “extremity” comes from Latin. From Latin extrēmitās, "furthest point," built on extrēmus ("outermost") — the same root as "extreme.".
How many meanings does “extremity” have?
“Extremity” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the furthest or outermost point of something.
