long-limbed

The compound adjective 'long-limbed' is a transparent formation from native English elements. Its first component, 'long', descends from the Proto-Germanic langaz, which has a deep Proto-Indo-European root meaning "long." The second element, 'limb', originates from the Old English lim, related to the Old Norse limr for "branch" or "limb," suggesting a conceptual link between tree branches and body parts. The suffix '-ed' is the common adjectival ending used to denote possession of a quality. The word's logic is perfectly literal, directly combining these elements to describe the physical characteristic of possessing arms and legs of notable length, a straightforward descriptive term in English.

Structure: long (lengthy) + limb (arm/leg) + ed (having the quality of) - long: From Old English lang, long, meaning "having considerable linear extent." It functions as an adjective describing length. - limb: From Old English lim, meaning "a joint or main division of the body, an arm or leg." It functions as a noun, the core object being described. - ed: A suffix from Old English -ede, used to form adjectives from nouns, meaning "having, provided with, characterized by."