WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Ex*trem"i*ty
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [L. extremitas: cf. F. extr?mit?.]
Definition : 1. The extreme part; the utmost limit; the farthest or remotest point or part; as, the extremities of a country. They sent fleets . . . to the extremities of Ethiopia. Arbuthnot.

2. (Zo?l.)

Defn: One of locomotive appendages of an animal; a limb; a leg or an arm of man.

3. The utmost point; highest degree; most aggravated or intense form. "The extremity of bodily pain." Ray.

4. The highest degree of inconvenience, pain, or suffering; greatest need or peril; extreme need; necessity. Divers evils and extremities that follow upon such a compulsion shall here be set in view. Milton. Upon mere extremity he summoned this last Parliament. Milton.

Syn. -- Verge; border; extreme; end; termination.

pl. Extremities(.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913