definitions

opposable

[ uh-poh-zuh-buh l ]
/ əˈpoʊ zə bəl /
|

adjective

capable of being placed opposite to something else: the opposable thumb of primates.
capable of being resisted, fought, or opposed.

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Nearby words

opportunistic, opportunistic infection, opportunity, opportunity cost, opportunity shop, opposable, opposable thumb, oppose, opposed-cylinder, opposed-piston engine, opposeless

Origin of opposable

First recorded in 1660–70; oppose + -able

Related forms

op·pos·a·bil·i·ty, nounnon·op·pos·a·ble, adjectiveun·op·pos·a·ble, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for opposable

British Dictionary definitions for opposable

opposable

/ (əˈpəʊzəbəl) /

adjective

capable of being opposed
Also: apposable (of the thumb of primates, esp man) capable of being moved into a position facing the other digits so as to be able to touch the ends of each
capable of being placed opposite something else

Derived Forms

opposably, adverbopposability, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012