range-of-motion
|range-of-mo-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌreɪndʒ əv ˈmoʊʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌreɪndʒ əv ˈməʊʃən/
(range of motion)
extent of movement
Etymology
'range-of-motion' originates from English, combining 'range' (from Old French 'rang'/'range', where 'rang' meant 'row/order/extent') and 'motion' (from Latin 'motio', specifically 'movere', where 'movere' meant 'to move').
'range' came into English via Old French (e.g. 'rang', 'rangier'/'rangier' → Middle English 'range'), while 'motion' came from Latin 'motio' (from 'movere') through Old/Middle English. The compound phrase 'range of motion' developed in modern English, particularly in anatomical and mechanical contexts, to denote the extent of movement.
Individually, 'range' originally referred to 'order' or 'row' and later to 'extent', and 'motion' meant 'movement'; together they evolved into the specific modern sense 'extent of movement of a body part' (medical/biomechanical usage).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the maximum extent through which a joint or body part can move, usually measured in degrees; joint mobility (often abbreviated ROM).
After the injury, her shoulder's range-of-motion was limited to 30 degrees.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/27 22:27