Leg: meaning, definitions and examples

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leg

[lɛɡ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

lower part of the body

The part of the body between the hip and the foot. It is used for standing, walking, running, and jumping. The leg consists of the thigh, the calf, and the ankle.

Synonyms

appendage, limb, lower limb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
leg	Commonly used in both casual and formal conversations to refer to the part of the body from the hip to the foot. She has long legs that make her a great runner. He broke his leg playing football.
limb	Usually used in medical or anatomical terms to refer to arms and legs collectively. It can be used in both singular and plural forms. He lost a limb in the accident. The study focused on the development of artificial limbs.
lower limb	A specific term used in medical and anatomical references to describe the part of the body from the hip to the foot. The patient suffered a severe injury to his lower limb. Doctors are evaluating the range of motion in the lower limb.
appendage	Used in more scientific or medical contexts to refer to any limb or bodily part that is attached to the main body. The creature's appendage was unlike anything we had seen before. In biology class, we studied the various appendages of different animals.

Examples of usage

He injured his leg while playing football.
She felt a sharp pain in her leg after the workout.
He stretched his legs before going for a jog.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

piece of furniture

A piece of furniture that people sit on. It usually has four legs and a flat top. It is commonly used for sitting at a table or desk.

Synonyms

base, stand, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
leg	Commonly used to refer to a limb of an animal or human. It can also describe the 'legs' of a table or chair, meaning the parts that support the structure. He injured his leg during the soccer match. The table has four sturdy legs.
support	Used when referring to something that holds up or carries the weight of something else. It can also mean emotional or financial assistance. The bridge's support beams need to be inspected. She received great support from her friends during tough times.
base	Used to refer to the bottom part of an object, which supports or stabilizes it. It can also be used in abstract or figurative contexts, like the base of an argument or base emotions. The base of the lamp is made of marble. Trust is the base of any strong relationship.
stand	Can refer to an object that holds something upright, like a music stand or a flower stand. It also means to remain in an upright position or to endure a situation. She placed the flowers in the stand by the window. He had to stand for hours during the concert.

Examples of usage

The table had sturdy legs.
She sat on the chair with crossed legs.
The bench was made of solid wood and had intricate carvings on its legs.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

part of a journey or race

A section of a journey or race. It can refer to the distance covered on foot or by another mode of transportation.

Synonyms

portion, section, stage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
leg	Used to refer to one part of a multi-part journey, competition, or process. Often associated with travel or relay races. The first leg of our trip is from New York to London. She ran the last leg of the relay race.
stage	Used to refer to a specific phase in a process or development, often sequential. Commonly associated with projects, events, or life processes. We are in the planning stage of the project. Childhood is a crucial stage of human development.
portion	Used to refer to a part of a whole, especially in the context of food, resources, or tasks. Does not necessarily suggest linear sequence. He ate a large portion of the cake. Please complete your portion of the project by Friday.
section	Used to refer to a distinct part within a larger whole, such as a document, book, or physical space. Emphasizes division or segmentation. Read the first section of the report. The garden is divided into three sections.

Examples of usage

They completed the first leg of their journey by train.
The last leg of the race was the most challenging.
He walked the final leg of the marathon.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

In humans, each leg is made up of bones, muscles, and tendons that work together for movement.
The largest bone in the body, the femur, is found in the thigh, which is part of each leg.
Legs have several important muscles, including the quadriceps and hamstrings, that help in activities like running and jumping.

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, graceful legs are often celebrated in dance and art, emphasizing beauty and movement.
Expressions like 'breaking a leg' are used in theater as a way to wish performers good luck without saying good luck directly.
Legs have symbolized freedom and strength throughout history, often depicted in literature and songs as a source of power.

Sports and Fitness

Leg exercises, like squats and lunges, are crucial for building strength and endurance in athletes.
Track and field events, such as sprinting and relay races, highlight the importance of leg strength and speed.
Many sports, including soccer and basketball, rely heavily on powerful legs for jumping and running.

Injuries and Health

Leg injuries, like fractures or sprains, are common in sports and can require long recovery times.
Leg length discrepancies can affect a person's balance and posture, leading to potential health issues.
Conditions like restless leg syndrome can cause discomfort, leading to difficulty in sleeping and relaxation.

Idioms and Phrases

The phrase 'leg up' means to have an advantage or support in achieving a goal.
'Legislation' highlights how laws are often passed and enforced by representatives who physically ‘stand’ for the people.
The term 'long legged' often describes someone tall, enhancing the idea of height being correlated with elegance.

Translations

Translations of the word "leg" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perna

🇮🇳 टांग

🇩🇪 Bein

🇮🇩 kaki

🇺🇦 нога

🇵🇱 noga

🇯🇵 脚 (あし)

🇫🇷 jambe

🇪🇸 pierna

🇹🇷 bacak

🇰🇷 다리

🇸🇦 ساق

🇨🇿 noha

🇸🇰 noha

🇨🇳 腿 (tuǐ)

🇸🇮 noga

🇮🇸 fótur

🇰🇿 аяқ

🇬🇪 ფეხი

🇦🇿 ayaq

🇲🇽 pierna

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,110, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3107 stronger
3108 imagination
3109 divisions
3110 leg
3111 preference
3112 reliable
3113 yard
...