arm

views updated Jun 11 2018

arm1 / ärm/ • n. 1. each of the two upper limbs of the human body from the shoulder to the hand. ∎  (in technical use) each of these upper limbs from the shoulder to the elbow. ∎  each of the forelimbs of an animal. ∎  a flexible limb of an invertebrate animal, e.g., an octopus. ∎  a sleeve of a garment. ∎  an ability to throw a ball skillfully: he has a good arm. ∎  an athlete with such an ability. ∎  used to refer to the holding of a person's arm in support or companionship: he arrived with a pretty girl on his arm. ∎  used to refer to something perceived as powerful or protective: the comforting arms of the church.2. a thing resembling an arm in form or function, in particular: ∎  a side part of a chair or other seat on which a sitter's arm can rest. ∎  a narrow strip of water or land projecting from a larger body. ∎  a large branch of a tree. ∎ fig. a long, narrow shape or object: a long arm of sunshine.3. a branch or division of a company or organization: the political arm of the separatist group. ∎  one of the types of troops of which an army is composed, such as infantry or artillery.4. Math. each of the lines enclosing an angle.PHRASES: arm in arm (of two or more people) with arms linked.the long arm of the law used to refer to the criminal justice system as far-reaching.at arm's length away from the body, with the arm fully extended: I held the telephone at arm's length. cost an arm and a leg inf. be extremely expensive.give one's right arm inf. used to convey a strong desire to have or do something: I'd give my right arm to go with them.in arms (of a baby) too young to walk: a babe in arms.keep someone/something at arm's length avoid intimacy or close contact with someone or something.under one's arm between one's arm and one's body: Barbara tucked the papers under her arm.with open arms with great affection or enthusiasm.within arm's reach near enough to reach by extending one's arm.DERIVATIVES: arm·ful / -ˌfoŏl/ n. (pl. -fuls) arm·less adj.arm2 • v. [tr.] supply or provide with weapons: both sides armed themselves with grenades and machine guns. ∎  supply or provide with equipment, tools, or other items in preparation or readiness for something: she armed them with brushes and mops. ∎  activate the fuse of (a bomb or other device) so that it is ready to explode. • n. see arms.

ARM

views updated May 21 2018

ARM • abbr. adjustable rate mortgage.

arm

views updated May 21 2018

arm1 upper limb of the body. OE. arm (earm) = OS., OHG. (Du., G.) arm, ON. armr, Goth. arms :- Gmc. *armaz; cf. L. armus shoulder (of animal), Skr. īrmá- arm, etc.

arm

views updated May 23 2018

arm2 (pl.) weapons for fighting. XIII. — (O)F. armes :- L. arma n. pl. (no sg.).
So arm vb. XIII. — (O)F. armer :- L. armāre.

ARM

views updated Jun 08 2018

ARM n. artificial rupture of membranes: see amniotomy.

ArM

views updated May 21 2018

ArM Master of Architecture (Latin Architecturae Magister)

Arm

views updated May 18 2018

Arm (ɑːm) Computing Acorn RISC machine

arm

views updated May 18 2018

arm To bring a device to a state of readiness.