Although this adjective, being superlative in signification, is not properly subject to comparison, the superlative
form not unfrequently occurs, especially in the older writers. "Tried in his extremest state." Spenser.
"Extremest hardships." Sharp. "Extremest of evils." Bacon. "Extremest verge of the swift brook." Shak.
"The sea's extremest borders." Addison.
Extreme
(Ex*treme"), n.
1. The utmost point or verge; that part which terminates a body; extremity.
2. Utmost limit or degree that is supposable or tolerable; hence, furthest degree; any undue departure
from the mean; — often in the plural: things at an extreme distance from each other, the most widely
different states, etc.; as, extremes of heat and cold, of virtue and vice; extremes meet.
His parsimony went to the extreme of meanness.
Bancroft. 3. An extreme state or condition; hence, calamity, danger, distress, etc. "Resolute in most extremes."
Shak.
4. (Logic) Either of the extreme terms of a syllogism, the middle term being interposed between them.
5. (Math.) The first or the last term of a proportion or series.
In the extreme as much as possible. "The position of the Port was difficult in the extreme." J. P. Peters.
Extremeless
(Ex*treme"less) a. Having no extremes; infinite.
Extremely
(Ex*treme"ly), adv. In an extreme manner or state; in the utmost degree; to the utmost point; exceedingly; as,
extremely hot or cold.
Extremist
(Ex*trem"ist) n. A supporter of extreme doctrines or practice; one who holds extreme opinions.
Extremity
(Ex*trem"i*ty) n.; pl. Extremities [L. extremitas: cf. F. extrémité.]
1. The extreme part; the utmost limit; the farthest or remotest point or part; as, the extremities of a country.
They sent fleets . . . to the extremities of Ethiopia.
Arbuthnot. 2. (Zoöl.) One of locomotive appendages of an animal; a limb; a leg or an arm of man.
3. The utmost point; highest degree; most aggravated or intense form. "The extremity of bodily pain."
Ray.
4. The highest degree of inconvenience, pain, or suffering; greatest need or peril; extreme need; necessity.
Divers evils and extremities that follow upon such a compulsion shall here be set in view.
Milton.
Upon mere extremity he summoned this last Parliament.
Milton. Syn. — Verge; border; extreme; end; termination.
Extricable
(Ex"tri*ca*ble) a. Capable of being extricated. Sir W. Jones.
Extricate
(Ex"tri*cate) v. t. [imp. & p. p. Extricated(- ka`ted); p. pr. & vb. n. Extricating] [L. extricatus,
p. p. of extricare to extricate; ex out + tricae trifles, impediments, perplexities. Cf. Intricate.]
