extremity
UK: ɪkˈstrɛmɪti | US: ɪkˈstrɛməti
n. 1. The furthest point or limit of something.
n. 2. An extreme condition or state (e.g., of emotion or suffering).
n. 3. (Anatomy) A limb of the body, such as an arm or leg.
extremity = extrem<outermost> + ity<noun suffix>
- extrem (from Latin extremus, superlative of exter "outer") → meaning "outermost" or "most distant."
- ity (noun-forming suffix from Latin -itas) → indicates a state or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin extremitas, derived from extremus ("outermost"), which itself comes from exter ("outer"). Over time, extremity evolved in English to denote both physical limits (e.g., the end of an object) and metaphorical extremes (e.g., intense suffering). The anatomical sense ("limb") arose from the idea of limbs being the body’s outermost extensions.
The explorers reached the northern extremity of the island.
In moments of extremity, people often reveal their true character.
Frostbite can severely damage the extremities in cold climates.
The political crisis pushed the nation to an extremity of unrest.
She held onto the rope with the extremity of her strength.