limb

limb¹

1. an arm or leg, or the analogous part on an animal, such as a wing

2. any of the main branches of a tree

---

limb²

1. the edge of the apparent disc of the sun, a moon, or a planet

2. Botany

a. the expanded upper part of a bell-shaped corolla

b. the expanded part of a leaf, petal, or sepal

3. either of the two halves of a bow

4. either of the sides of a geological fold

---

limb [limb]

(anatomy)

An extremity or appendage used for locomotion or prehension, such as an arm or a leg.

(astronomy)

The circular outer edge of a celestial body; the half with the greater altitude is called the upper limb, and the half with the lesser altitude, the lower limb.

(botany)

A large primary tree branch.

(design engineering)

The graduated margin of an arc or circle in an instrument for measuring angles, as that part of a marine sextant carrying the altitude scale.

The graduated staff of a leveling rod.

(geology)

One of the two sections of an anticline or syncline on either side of the axis. Also known as flank.