* Etymology: The word "limb" originates from Old English "lim," which comes from Proto-Germanic "*limmaz." The "i" sound in these earlier forms was likely closer to a long "ee" sound.
* The Great Vowel Shift: This was a major sound change in English between the 14th and 18th centuries. It affected the pronunciation of long vowels, causing them to shift upward in their position. This shift impacted many words, including "limb," causing its long "ee" sound to shorten to a short "i."
* Current Pronunciation: Today, we pronounce "limb" with a short "i" sound, reflecting the changes brought about by the Great Vowel Shift.
In short: The short "i" sound in "limb" is a result of historical sound changes, specifically the Great Vowel Shift, rather than a direct consequence of its meaning or etymology.