Limb Meaning
Limb Definition & Usage
A limb refers to one of the major appendages of a body, such as an arm, leg, or wing, which typically allows for movement, manipulation of objects, and support.
Examples
- "The patient had to undergo surgery after losing his limb in the accident."
- "Humans generally have four limbs: two arms and two legs."
- "The bird spread its wings, a clear sign of its strong limbs."
- "Despite his disability, she learned to live with a prosthetic limb."
- "In some animals, such as snakes, limbs have evolved into specialized forms or disappeared entirely."
In a figurative sense, a limb can refer to a division or extension of something, such as a branch of an organization or a part of a larger structure.
Examples
- "The company opened a new limb in Asia to expand its market reach."
- "The scientific research project has many limbs, each specializing in different areas of study."
- "The tree’s limbs stretched wide, reaching for the sky."
- "The novel's plot was intricate, with each character representing a different limb of the main story."
- "She became an important limb of the local community outreach program."
To limb can mean to move with difficulty or in an awkward manner, especially when referring to an injury or restricted movement.
Examples
- "After spraining his ankle, he limbed across the room slowly."
- "The injured athlete limbed off the field, his leg clearly hurting."
- "She limbed toward the door, trying to avoid putting weight on her swollen foot."
- "With his broken arm in a cast, he limbed to the bus stop."
- "The horse limbed along the trail, favoring its injured leg."
Cultural Context
The word 'limb' has its roots in Old English, originating from words meaning 'part of the body'. It has maintained its primary anatomical meaning over time, with figurative uses evolving in various fields such as biology, business, and literature. The use of 'limb' to describe branches or divisions comes from the idea of a 'branching' extension, similar to how limbs extend from the body.
The Limb of the Community
Story
The Limb of the Community
In the small town of Greenwood, everyone knew that the local library was the heart of their community. It was a place where children gathered to listen to stories, the elderly found comfort in familiar books, and the townspeople came together to discuss the future of their town. Recently, however, a fire had broken out, leaving the library in ruins. Despite the overwhelming destruction, the townspeople were determined to rebuild it. One of the first people to take charge was Ellie, a local teacher whose energy seemed as boundless as the limbs of a tree reaching for the sky. Her commitment was undeniable. She quickly became the 'limb' of the recovery project, her efforts extending in every direction as she coordinated volunteers, secured donations, and pushed forward the rebuilding process. In the midst of the recovery, Ellie suffered a personal blow—her leg was severely injured when she slipped and fell while supervising a construction crew. Though the injury left her limbing around town on crutches, her determination did not falter. She continued to support the project, even from a distance, and her enthusiasm inspired others to pitch in even harder. Through the metaphor of limbs—both literal and figurative—the story demonstrates how one individual can become the central extension of a larger cause, and how community support can transform an individual’s struggle into a collective triumph.
