Advertisement

Advertisement

pollex

[ pol-eks ]

noun

, plural pol·li·ces [pol, -, uh, -seez].
  1. the innermost digit of the forelimb; thumb.


pollex

/ 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
“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


Discover More

Derived Forms

  • pollical, adjective
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of pollex1

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1825–35
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of pollex1

C19: from Latin: thumb, big toe
Discover More

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

All have dark brown nuptial tuberosities on the pollex.

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

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

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


poll evilpollice verso