arm

(ärm)

1. An upper limb of the human body, connecting the hand and wrist to the shoulder.
2. A part similar to a human arm, such as the forelimb of an animal or a long part projecting from a central support in a machine.
3. Something, such as a sleeve on a garment or a support on a chair, that is designed to cover or support the human arm.
4. A relatively narrow extension jutting out from a large mass: an arm of the sea. See Synonyms at branch.
5. An administrative or functional branch, as of an organization.
6. Power or authority: the long arm of the law.
7. Sports The skill of throwing or pitching a ball well.

Related Forms:

• armed armed (ärmd) adjective

(ärm)

1. A weapon, especially a firearm: troops bearing arms; ICBMs, bombs, and other nuclear arms.
2. A branch of a military force: infantry, armor, and other combat arms.
3. arms
   a. Warfare: a call to arms against the invaders.
   b. Military service: several million volunteers under arms; the profession of arms.
4. arms
   a. Heraldry Bearings.
   b. Insignia, as of a state, an official, a family, or an organization.

1. To supply or equip oneself with weaponry.
2. To prepare oneself for warfare or conflict.

1. To equip with weapons: armed themselves with loaded pistols; arm a missile with a warhead; arm a nation for war.
2. To equip with what is needed for effective action: tax advisers who were armed with the latest forms.
3. To provide with something that strengthens or protects: a space reentry vehicle that was armed with a ceramic shield.
4. To prepare (a weapon) for use or operation, as by releasing a safety device.

Related Forms:

• armed armed (ärmd) adjective

• armˈer noun