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Legs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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legs

[lɛɡz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

human anatomy

The lower limbs of a human body, including the thigh, shin, ankle, and foot.

Synonyms

extremities, limbs, lower limbs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legs

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to the parts of the body used for standing and walking. Appropriate in informal and general conversation.

  • She hurt her legs during the hike
  • My legs are tired after the run
limbs

A general term for arms and legs. Suitable for both informal and formal contexts, especially when referring to both upper and lower limbs as a group.

  • The octopus has eight limbs
  • He works out to strengthen his limbs
lower limbs

A formal and medical term specifically referring to the legs. Useful in professional, technical, or precise medical discussions.

  • The physical therapist specializes in lower limb rehabilitation
  • Injuries to the lower limbs can greatly affect mobility
extremities

More formal and often used in medical or anatomical contexts to refer to arms and legs. Can sound technical and is less common in everyday speech.

  • The doctor checked his extremities for any signs of injury
  • Frostbite often affects the extremities first

Examples of usage

  • She crossed her legs while sitting on the chair.
  • He injured his legs while playing football.
Context #2 | Noun

furniture

Each of the supports of a chair, table, or other piece of furniture.

Synonyms

base, stand, supports.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legs

Commonly used to refer to the limbs supporting the human or animal body, or the parts of furniture (such as chairs and tables) that support the item and provide stability.

  • Her legs were tired after the long hike.
  • The table has four legs made of oak.
supports

Generally used to describe the parts or structures that hold up or provide stability to something else. Can be used technically or abstractly, including emotional or financial support.

  • The bridge has strong supports to ensure safety.
  • She gave him emotional support during the difficult time.
base

Typically refers to the bottom part of an object that provides support. Often used to describe the foundational part of structures, or metaphorically to describe the underlying principle or starting point of something.

  • The base of the statue was made of marble.
  • His argument lacked a solid base.
stand

Refers to an object or piece of furniture designed to hold or support something, like a lamp stand or a TV stand. It can also mean to be in an upright position.

  • She placed the pot on the plant stand.
  • He had to stand all day at work.

Examples of usage

  • The chair has four wooden legs.
  • The table wobbled because one of the legs was shorter.
Context #3 | Noun

animals

The hind limbs of an animal, used for movement or support.

Synonyms

back legs, hind limbs, rear limbs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legs

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to the limbs used for walking or standing in both humans and animals. Suitable for general descriptions and informal conversations.

  • He has long legs
  • The dog hurt its leg while running
hind limbs

More formal or scientific term for the rear legs. Frequently used in biological, veterinary, and anatomical contexts.

  • The frog has very strong hind limbs
  • Researchers studied the hind limbs of the cheetah to understand its speed
rear limbs

Less common than 'hind limbs' but still used in scientific and detailed descriptions of animals. Suitable for anatomical or biological discussions.

  • The rear limbs of the kangaroo are powerful and allow it to jump great distances
  • Injuries to the rear limbs can be serious for quadrupeds
back legs

Used to describe the rear legs of a four-legged animal, often in a specific or detailed context. Commonly used by pet owners, veterinarians, and in animal descriptions.

  • The rabbit was standing on its back legs
  • The horse injured one of its back legs

Examples of usage

  • The dog wagged its tail while scratching its hind legs.
  • The horse galloped on its powerful legs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • Human legs contain 206 bones in total, including the thigh bone, which is the longest bone in the body.
  • Muscles in the legs are responsible for movement, and they help us run fast or jump high, thanks to strong muscles like the quadriceps.
  • The knee joint connects the thigh and the shin, and it allows our legs to bend and straighten.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, having strong legs symbolizes resilience and stability, often depicted in art and literature.
  • Traditional dances around the world highlight elegant leg movements, celebrating their importance in expressing culture and emotion.
  • In fashion, the way legs are showcased in clothing reflects trends and can influence societal standards of beauty.

Sports

  • Legs play a crucial role in almost all sports, from running in track and field to kicking in soccer.
  • Athletes often train their leg muscles to improve speed, strength, and overall performance in various competitive activities.
  • In many sports, leg injuries can be particularly detrimental, emphasizing the need for robust training and care.

Evolution

  • Legs have evolved over millions of years, allowing species to adapt to different environments, from running fast to climbing trees.
  • Some animals have transformed their legs for specialized functions, like frogs with strong hind legs for jumping and birds with legs suited for perching.
  • The structure of legs in different animals contributes to their survival strategies, showcasing the incredible adaptability of life.

Health and Fitness

  • Regular exercise, including squats and lunges, helps maintain strong legs and overall fitness.
  • Leg strength is essential for daily activities, helping to prevent falls and injuries as people age.
  • Stretching and flexibility exercises are crucial for keeping legs healthy and preventing cramps or injury.

Origin of 'legs'

The word 'legs' originated from the Old English word 'leg' which meant a limb of the body, especially a leg. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The concept of legs has been essential for human and animal locomotion, providing support and movement. Over time, the word has evolved in usage to describe both human anatomy and furniture components. Legs symbolize strength, stability, and mobility in various contexts.

See also: leg, legacy, legal, legatee, legation, legend, legible.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,325, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.