Forelimb: meaning, definitions and examples
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forelimb
[ ˈfɔːˌlɪm ]
anatomy
The front limb of a quadruped, such as a dog, horse, or bear, that corresponds to the human arm.
Synonyms
anterior limb, front limb.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| forelimb |
Commonly used in biological and veterinary contexts to refer to the front legs of animals.
|
| front limb |
Less common but still understandable, typically used in general descriptions of animals' body parts.
|
| anterior limb |
More formal and less commonly used, often found in scientific literature when referring to the front limbs.
|
Examples of usage
- The forelimbs of a horse are used for support and locomotion.
- The bear extended its forelimb to catch a fish in the river.
zoology
The anterior limb of an animal, especially when modified for grasping or swimming.
Synonyms
anterior limb, front limb.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| forelimb |
Commonly used in medical, biological, and veterinary contexts to describe the front limb of an animal, including its anatomy and functionality.
|
| front limb |
Often used in everyday language or less formal discussions to plainly describe the forward limb of an animal.
|
| anterior limb |
Typically used in more formal medical or anatomical contexts to refer to the front limb, highlighting its position rather than its function.
|
Examples of usage
- The forelimbs of dolphins are adapted for swimming in the ocean.
- The forelimbs of primates are used for climbing trees and manipulating objects.
Translations
Translations of the word "forelimb" in other languages:
🇵🇹 membro anterior
🇮🇳 अग्रभुज
🇩🇪 Vordergliedmaße
🇮🇩 anggota tubuh depan
🇺🇦 передня кінцівка
🇵🇱 kończyna przednia
🇯🇵 前肢 (ぜんし)
🇫🇷 membre antérieur
🇪🇸 miembro anterior
🇹🇷 ön uzuv
🇰🇷 앞다리 (apdari)
🇸🇦 طرف أمامي
🇨🇿 přední končetina
🇸🇰 predná končatina
🇨🇳 前肢 (qiánzhī)
🇸🇮 sprednja okončina
🇮🇸 framlimur
🇰🇿 алдыңғы аяқ
🇬🇪 წინა კიდური
🇦🇿 ön ətraf
🇲🇽 miembro anterior
Etymology
The term 'forelimb' originated from the combination of 'fore' meaning in front of or before, and 'limb' referring to a branch or a projecting part of a tree. It has been used in anatomy and zoology to describe the front limbs of various animals for centuries, highlighting their importance in movement, support, and adaptation to different environments.