pollex

American  

[pol-eks] / ˈpɒl ɛks /

noun

plural

pollices

1. the innermost digit of the forelimb; thumb.

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pollex British  

/ ˈpɒlɪkəl, ˈpɒlɛks /

noun

1. the first digit of the forelimb of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, such as the thumb of man and other primates

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Other Word Forms

• pollical adjective

Etymology

Origin of pollex

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1825–35

Example Sentences

A true opposed pollex mostly appears in mammals like primates.

From Salon

Another reason we know the thumbs-up was the kill signal was a gesture known as the infestus pollex or hostile thumb, which is mentioned in texts but, again, isn't pictured.

From Time

There are no nuptial tuberosities on the pollex of breeding males.

From Project Gutenberg

A pollex is wanting, as in the cassowary, emeu and apteryx, while it is impossible to say whether remiges are represented or not.

From Project Gutenberg

The pollex and the third finger are as a rule reduced to one phalanx each, while the index still has two.

From Project Gutenberg