Arm

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ɑːrm/

Definitions

1. Noun: A limb of the human body that extends from the shoulder to the hand, including the upper arm, elbow, forearm, and wrist.

2. Noun: A part of an object or structure resembling an arm in shape or function (e.g., the arm of a chair or crane).

3. Noun: A branch or division of an organization, enterprise, or entity.

4. Verb: To provide someone or something with arms or weapons.

5. Verb: To move or extend the arm or an object in a way that imitates the action of an arm.

Usage Examples

• "He broke his arm while playing football."
• "The crane’s arm extended to lift the heavy load."
• "She was armed with knowledge to face the challenge."
• "They armed themselves with the latest technology."

Etymology

From Old French "arme," from Latin "armus," meaning "upper limb" or "shoulder." The term evolved to include other meanings, especially related to weapons, tools, and extensions of objects.

Synonyms

• Limb
• Extremity
• Weapon
• Branch
• Extension

Antonyms

• Leg
• Torso
• Center
• Core

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• Standard English: /ɑːrm/
• British English: /ɑːm/
• American English: /ɑːrm/ (slightly more emphasis on the "r" sound)

Historical Usage

Throughout history, the word "arm" has been linked to the physical limb and later extended to mean the extension of weaponry. In medieval times, "arms" referred to weapons used in battle, and the arm itself came to symbolize strength, power, and readiness for combat.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the arm is a symbol of support and protection, as seen in gestures such as "lending a hand" or "opening arms." In contrast, the term "armed" conveys an association with conflict or defense, illustrating the duality of the arm as both a nurturing and a combative tool.

More Information

The arm is an essential part of the human body, enabling a variety of activities from manual labor to expressive gestures. Historically, the arm has been symbolically linked to strength, both in physical and metaphorical terms. The use of the word "arm" has expanded beyond biology to indicate tools, weapons, and even organizational branches.