arm1
n.
- each of the two upper limbs of the human body from the shoulder to the hand.
▸a limb of an octopus, starfish, or other animal.
- a side part of a chair supporting a sitter's arm.
- a narrow strip of water or land projecting from a larger body.
- a branch or division of an organization.
- Mathematics each of the lines enclosing an angle.
Phrase
- arm in arm
with arms linked. - cost an arm and a leg
informal be extremely expensive. - would give one's right arm for
informal wish for desperately. - in arms
(of a baby) too young to walk. - keep at arm's length
avoid intimacy or close contact with. - the long
(or strong)
arm of the law
the far-reaching power of the law. - with open arms
with great affection or enthusiasm.
Derivative
- armful n.
(pl. armfuls)
. - armless adj.
- armload n.
Etymology
OE arm, earm, of Gmc origin.
arm2
v.
- supply with weapons.
▸provide with essential equipment or information for a task or situation.
- activate the fuse of (a bomb) so that it is ready to explode.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. armer, from L. armare, from arma ‘armour, arms’.