limber
1
[ lim-ber ]
/ ˈlɪm bər /
adjective
characterized by ease in bending the body; supple; lithe.
bending readily; flexible; pliant.
verb (used without object)
to make oneself limber (usually followed by up): to limber up before the game.
verb (used with object)
to make (something) limber (usually followed by up): She tried to limber up her wits before the exam.
Origin of limber
1
First recorded in 1555–65; perhaps akin to
limb1
OTHER WORDS FROM limber
lim·ber·ly, adverb lim·ber·ness, nounWords nearby limber
limb lead,
limb-girdle muscular dystrophy,
limba,
limbate,
limbed,
limber,
limber hole,
limber pine,
limber up,
limberneck,
limbic
Definition for limber up (2 of 2)
limber
2
[ lim-ber ]
/ ˈlɪm bər /
noun
a two-wheeled vehicle, originally pulled by four or six horses, behind which is towed a field gun or caisson.
verb (used with object)
to attach the limber to (a gun) in preparation for moving away (sometimes followed by up).
verb (used without object)
to attach a limber to a gun (usually followed by up).
British Dictionary definitions for limber up (1 of 4)
limber up
verb (adverb)
(intr)
(esp in sports) to exercise in order to be limber and agile
(tr)
to make flexible
British Dictionary definitions for limber up (2 of 4)
limber
1
/ (ˈlɪmbə) /
adjective
capable of being easily bent or flexed; pliant
able to move or bend freely; agile
Derived forms of limber
limberly, adverb limberness, nounWord Origin for limber
C16: origin uncertain
British Dictionary definitions for limber up (3 of 4)
limber
2
/ (ˈlɪmbə) /
noun
part of a gun carriage, often containing ammunition, consisting of an axle, pole, and two wheels, that is attached to the rear of an item of equipment, esp field artillery
verb
(usually foll by up)
to attach the limber (to a gun, etc)
Word Origin for limber
C15
lymour shaft of a gun carriage, origin uncertain
British Dictionary definitions for limber up (4 of 4)
limber
3
/ (ˈlɪmbə) /
noun
(often plural) nautical
(in the bilge of a vessel) a fore-and-aft channel through a series of holes in the frames (limber holes) where water collects and can be pumped out
Word Origin for limber
C17: probably changed from French
lumière hole (literally: light)