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Forelimb - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A forelimb is an animal's front limb, such as an arm, wing, or flipper, used for movement, grasping, or other functions. It is found in vertebrates like mammals, birds, and reptiles.

forelimb

/ˈfɔrˌlɪm/ /ˈfɔːlɪm/

Definition:

The front limb of a quadruped, such as an arm or wing in vertebrates.

Synonyms:

front leg, arm, wing, appendage

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

hindlimb, rear limb

Common Collocations:

strong forelimb, muscular forelimb, injured forelimb, forelimb movement, forelimb function

Derivatives:

forelimbs, forelimbed

Usage Tips:

Use "forelimb" when referring to the front limbs of animals; avoid for humans (use "arm" instead).

Common Phrases:

powerful forelimbs, forelimb strength, forelimb coordination

Etymology:

Derived from "fore-" (front) + "limb," first used in the early 19th century for anatomical description.

Examples:

  • 1. The dog injured its forelimb while jumping over the fence.
  • 2. Birds use their forelimbs as wings to fly efficiently.
  • 3. The horse's strong forelimbs help it gallop at high speeds.
  • 4. Scientists study dinosaur fossils to understand forelimb evolution.

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