Arm

English Meaning

The limb of the human body which extends from the shoulder to the hand; also, the corresponding limb of a monkey.

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.
8. an arm and a leg Slang An excessively high price: a cruise that cost an arm and a leg.
9. arm in arm With arms linked together: They walked across the beach arm in arm.
10. at arm's length At such a distance that physical or social contact is discouraged: kept the newcomer at arm's length at first.
11. with open arms With great cordiality and hospitality.
12. A weapon, especially a firearm: troops bearing arms; ICBMs, bombs, and other nuclear arms.
13. A branch of a military force: infantry, armor, and other combat arms.
14. Warfare: a call to arms against the invaders.
15. Military service: several million volunteers under arms; the profession of arms.
16. Heraldry Bearings.
17. Insignia, as of a state, an official, a family, or an organization.
18. To supply or equip oneself with weaponry.
19. To prepare oneself for warfare or conflict.
20. To equip with weapons: armed themselves with loaded pistols; arm a missile with a warhead; arm a nation for war.
21. To equip with what is needed for effective action: tax advisers who were armed with the latest forms.
22. To provide with something that strengthens or protects: a space reentry vehicle that was armed with a ceramic shield.
23. To prepare (a weapon) for use or operation, as by releasing a safety device.
24. up in arms Extremely upset; indignant.