limb

Everyday

1. A limb is an arm or a leg. tree →
2. A limb is a large branch of a tree. tree →
3. «Out on a limb» means alone, with an idea others do not support. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons humans have four limbs (two arms and two legs); animals use limbs to walk, swim, fly or climb; some animals like lizards and starfish can regrow lost limbs. In safety lessons do not climb on weak tree limbs. In stories a character trembles in every limb. Phrases: arms and limbs, lose a limb, artificial limb, out on a limb, risk life and limb.

Examples

• Humans have four limbs. tree →
• A starfish can grow back a lost limb. tree →
• Don't climb on that dead limb of the tree. tree →
• He has an artificial limb after an accident. tree →
• The storm broke a limb off the oak tree. tree →
• My limbs ached after swimming. tree →
• She went out on a limb to help him. tree →
• My broken limb should excite your pity. tree →

Note

The «b» is silent: say «lim». Same in «climb», «comb», «thumb», «lamb». Countable noun (limbs). The body without limbs and head is the trunk.

In Jewish tradition

It means a part of the body. In Judges, it describes the terrible cutting up of a woman's body.

Interpretation. The story shows how wild Israel had become when it had no king, and it led the tribes to unite in war.

Examples

• And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, limb by limb, into twelve pieces, and sent her throughout all the borders of Israel. (Prophets JDG.19.29, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

The «b» is silent: say «lim». Same in «climb», «comb», «thumb», «lamb». Countable noun (limbs). The body without limbs and head is the trunk.