hind limb
- noun
- /haɪnd lɪm/
- During the examination, the vet noticed that the dog's hind limb was injured and required treatment.
- hind limbs length
- large hind limbs
We looked at body fat, We looked at hind limb weights.
- We looked at body fat, We looked at hind limb weights.
Examples
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In some species, the hind limbs are much more powerful than the front legs, aiding in swift movement.
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Ankylosaurus was quadrupedal, with the hind limbs longer than the forelimbs.
Blog text (2) -
If we put a stimulus, say, on the back of the cat, he will raise a hind limb in order to scratch it.
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Ambulocetus had large hind limbs and enormous feet.
Academic text (2001) -
The left hind limb was shaved and then cleaned with skin-cleansing solutions.
Academic text (2005) -
In overall body shape, Ambulocetus looked somewhat like a crocodile, although its hind limbs and feet were considerably longer.
Academic text (2001) -
Most of the propulsion was provided by dorsoventral motions of the feet powered by the muscles of the hind limbs.
Academic text (2001) -
Neurologic alterations generally involved motor impairment with ataxia affecting mainly the hind limbs.
Academic text (2013) -
Recent skeletal reconstruction of Ichthyostega (top) shows the unusual shape of the back, the paddlelike hind limbs, and the broad overlapping ribs.
Academic text (2006) -
The rabbit kicked its hind limb in excitement as it prepared to hop away.
Synonyms
A back leg on a four-legged animal that helps it walk or jump
A back leg of an animal often used for walking or jumping
How Specific
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'back leg or rear appendage' is directly compositional from 'hind' (rear) + 'limb' (appendage), following a standard anatomical modifier+noun pattern. This transparent relationship is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words should be able to infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Hind limb comes from two simple words: hind meaning the 'rear' part of an animal and limb meaning a 'leg' or arm. So a hind limb is the animal's rear 'leg' or similar appendage that often helps it jump or run.