onearm

Onearm or one-armed is an adjective and noun describing a person, animal, or object that has but a single arm. In human anatomy, the term is most often used to describe individuals with an upper-limb difference resulting from congenital anomalies or amputation. Congenital conditions include amelia, in which an arm is absent, and meromelia, in which only a portion is present. Acquired upper-limb loss can result from trauma, infection, cancer, or medical procedures. The prevalence varies by population and context, and terminology such as one-armed or one-arm is used in different communities.

Individuals with one arm may rely on prosthetics, assistive devices, and adaptive techniques to perform daily tasks and engage in work, sports, and hobbies. Modern upper-limb prostheses include body-powered and myoelectric devices, with various terminal devices such as hooks or hands. Rehabilitation focuses on stump conditioning, control training, and integrating devices into daily living.

Social and cultural considerations include accessibility, stigma, and inclusion in workplaces and educational settings. Organizations and advocacy groups work to promote awareness, funding for devices, and accessible design.

In popular culture, the phrase one-armed is encountered in descriptions of equipment or in idioms such as "one-armed bandit," a familiar nickname for a slot machine with a lever. The term also features in sport and fitness contexts, where athletes demonstrate techniques like one-arm push-ups or other unilateral training.