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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 notes

In 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

Word forms

extremities plural, extremitys plural

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The lighthouse sits at the southern _____ of the island.

Etymology

From Latin extrēmitās, "furthest point," built on extrēmus ("outermost") — the same root as "extreme."

Origin: Latin

end tip limit extreme point limb appendage

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial