arm

I

[[t]ɑrm[/t]]

n.

1) anat.

a) the upper limb of the human body

b) the upper limb from shoulder to elbow

2) anat.

a) the forelimb of any vertebrate

b) any similar structure in an invertebrate

3) hfi any armlike part or attachment, as the tone arm of a phonograph

4) clo the sleeve of a garment

5) fur a projecting support for the forearm or elbow at the side of a chair, sofa, etc

6) an administrative or operational branch of an organization:

an investigative arm of the government[/ex]

7) mil a combat branch of the military service, as the infantry, cavalry, or field artillery

8) naut. navig. a curved piece on an anchor, terminating in a fluke

9) an inlet or cove:

an arm of the sea[/ex]

10) power; authority:

the long arm of the law[/ex]

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- an arm and a leg arm in arm at arm's length in the arms of Morpheus put the arm on twist someone's arm with open arms

Etymology: bef. 900; ME; OE earm, c. OFris erm, OOHG arm, ON armr, Go arms arm, L armus shoulder armed, adj. arm′like`, adj. II

arm

[[t]ɑrm[/t]] n.

1) mil Usu., arms. weapons, esp. firearms

2) her arms, the heraldic devices of a person, family, or corporate body

3) to make ready for war

4) to equip with weapons:

to arm the troops[/ex]

5) to activate (a fuze) so that it will explode the charge at the time desired

6) to cover protectively

7) to equip or prepare for any specific purpose or effective use:

to arm a security system; to arm oneself with persuasive arguments[/ex]

•

- bear arms take up arms up in arms

Etymology: 1200–50; (v.) ME < AF, OF armer < L armāre to arm, v. der. of arma (pl.) tools, weapons; (n.) ME armes (pl.) « L arm′less,adj.