arm 1
(ärm)
(ärm)n.
Idioms: 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.
an arm and a legSlang
An excessively high price:a cruise that cost an arm and a leg.
arm in arm
With arms linked together:They walked across the beach arm in arm.
at arm's length
At such a distance that physical or social contact is discouraged:kept the newcomer at arm's length at first.
with open arms
With great cordiality and hospitality.
[Middle English, fromOld Englishearm; see ar- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
armed(ärmd)adj.
arm1