Definition of extremity

The word "extremity" originated in the Middle English language during the 14th century. It was derived from the Old French word "extramitée," which in turn was derived from the Latin word "extremitas." "Extremitas" was a compound of "ex," meaning "out" or "from," and "remus," which referred to a limb or appendage. When translated into Latin, "extremitas" roughly meant "outermost part" or "faremost point," implying something that was furthest away from the center or middle point. During the Middle Ages, the term "extremity" initially referred to the farthest reaches of the heavens, the limits of the earth, or the outermost parts of a building, such as the corners or angles. However, by the 14th century, the term had come to be associated with the human body as well, due to its use to describe the limbs and appendages, such as the hands, feet, arms, and legs, which appeared to be the "outermost parts" of the body. Today, the term "extremity" is still commonly used to describe the outermost parts of human bodies, as well as in medical contexts to refer to limbs or appendages that have become detached, injured, or infected. The word continues to carry the connotation of being "far-off" or "remote," due to its etymological roots in Latin and Old French.