hallux

American  

[hal-uhks] / ˈhæl əks /

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

plural

halluces

1. the first or innermost digit of the foot of humans and other primates or of the hind foot of other mammals; great toe; big toe.

2. the comparable, usually backward-directed digit in birds.

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hallux British  

/ ˈhæləks /

noun

1. the first digit on the hind foot of a mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian; the big toe of man

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Etymology

Origin of hallux

1825–35; < Late Latin ( h ) allux, for Latin hallus, by association with pollex thumb

Example Sentences

“This would allow me to treat refugees with minor disabilities, flat feet or hallux valgus toes, or people with diabetes who need soft soles,” he said.

From New York Times • Aug. 27, 2021

And not just because you can go to the doctor and tell her that the distal phalanx of your hallux hurts like hell after you accidentally closed a door on your foot.

From Slate • Aug. 31, 2015

These enlarged foot claws and mobile hallux suggest that Balaur might have have been good at climbing and perching.

From Scientific American • Jun. 20, 2015

Its feet are only superficially human-like, the enlarged, only semi-divergent hallux and broad heel representing strong terrestrial specialisation in a primate that started its terrestrial career with a typical hominid foot like that of orangutans.

From Scientific American • Aug. 4, 2013

In hallux valgus, the metatarso-phalangeal joint of the great toe undergoes changes characteristic of arthritis deformans.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis