pollex

[pol-eks]

noun

plural

pollices 

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

Other Word Forms

• pollical adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pollex¹

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1825–35

Word History and Origins

Origin of pollex¹

C19: from Latin: thumb, big toe

Example Sentences

A true opposed pollex mostly appears in mammals like primates.

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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.

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All have dark brown nuptial tuberosities on the pollex.

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

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

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