pollex

American  

[pol-eks] / ˈpɒl ɛks /

noun

pollices plural

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

Derived Forms

• pollical
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• pollices
  plural

Etymology

Origin of pollex

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1825–35

Example Sentences

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

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Slice 7 "Bible" to "Bisectrix" by Various

A. The thumb hath three, but the third is joined to the arm, therefore is stronger than the other fingers; and is called pollex or polico, that is, to excel in strength.

From The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher Containing his Complete Masterpiece and Family Physician; his Experienced Midwife, his Book of Problems and his Remarks on Physiognomy by Aristotle

In the forefoot all the digits except the pollex, or first, were well developed.

From A History of Science — Volume 3 by Williams, Henry Smith

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

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 2 "Fairbanks, Erastus" to "Fens" by Various

Eohippus—Lower Eocene of America; fore-feet have four toes and a rudimentary thumb or pollex.

From Creation and Its Records by Baden-Powell, Baden Henry