First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1arm
noun \ˈärm\
Definition of ARM
1
: a human upper limb; especially : the part between the shoulder and the wrist
2
: something like or corresponding to an arm: as a : the forelimb of a vertebrate b : a limb of an invertebrate animal c : a branch or lateral shoot of a plant d : a slender part of a structure, machine, or an instrument projecting from a main part, axis, or fulcrum e : the end of a ship's yard; also : the part of an anchor from the crown to the fluke — see anchor illustration f : any of the usually two parts of a chromosome lateral to the centromere
3
: an inlet of water (as from the sea)
4
: a narrow extension of a larger area, mass, or group
6
: a support (as on a chair) for the elbow and forearm
7
: sleeve
8
: the ability to throw or pitch a ball well; also : a player having such ability
9
: a functional division of a group, organization, institution, or activity <the logistical arm of the air force>
— arm·less \ˈärm-ləs\ adjective
— arm·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
— arm in arm
: with arms linked together
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Origin of ARM
Middle English, from Old English earm; akin to Latin armus shoulder, Sanskrit īrma arm
Other Anatomy Terms
2arm
verb
: to provide (yourself, a group, a country, etc.) with weapons especially in order to fight a war or battle
: to provide (someone) with a way of fighting, competing, or succeeding
: to make (a bomb, weapon, etc.) ready for use
Full Definition of ARM
transitive verb
1
: to furnish or equip with weapons
2
: to furnish with something that strengthens or protects <arming citizens with the right to vote>
3
: to equip or ready for action or operation <arm a bomb>
intransitive verb
: to prepare oneself for struggle or resistance <arm for combat>
See arm defined for English-language learners
Origin of ARM
Middle English armen, from Anglo-French armer, from Latin armare, from arma weapons, tools; akin to Latin ars skill, Greek harmos joint, arariskein to fit
First Known Use: 12th century
3arm
noun, often attributive
Definition of ARM
1
a : a means (as a weapon) of offense or defense; especially : firearm b : a combat branch (as of an army) c : an organized branch of national defense (as the navy)
2
plural a : the hereditary heraldic devices of a family b : heraldic devices adopted by a government
3
— up in arms
: aroused and ready to undertake a fight or conflict
Origin of ARM
Middle English armes (plural) weapons, from Anglo-French, from Latin arma
First Known Use: 13th century
Arm
abbreviation
ARM
abbreviation
Definition of ARM
adjustable rate mortgage
Other Economics Terms
ARM[1] Defined for Kids
1arm
noun \ˈärm\
Definition of ARM for Kids
1
: a human upper limb especially between the shoulder and wrist
2
: something like an arm in shape or position <an arm of the sea> <the arm of a chair>
3
: sleeve 1
4
: 1power 1 <the long arm of the law>
5
: a foreleg of a four-footed animal
2arm
verb
armedarm·ing
Definition of ARM for Kids
1
: to provide with weapons
2
: to provide with a way of fighting, competing, or succeeding <She armed her lawyer with facts.>
3arm
noun
Definition of ARM for Kids
2
: a branch of an army or of the military forces
3
arms plural : the designs on a shield or flag of a family or government
4
arms plural : actual fighting : warfare <a call to arms>
Medical Dictionary
arm
noun \ˈärm\
Medical Definition of ARM
1
a : a human upper limb b : the part of the human upper limb between the shoulder and the wrist; also : brachium
2
a : the forelimb of a vertebrate other than a human being b : a limb of an invertebrate animal c : any of the usually two parts of a chromosome lateral to the centromere
Learn More About ARM
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