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

Derived 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

Paltroon is from pollex, a thumb, and truncare, to cut off; for cowards use to cut their thumbs to avoid service.

From Project Gutenberg

In the anterior limb the radius and the pollex are pre-axial, the ulna and the fifth finger are postaxial.

From Project Gutenberg

The posterior limb is, as a rule, pentedactylate, but in nearly every case the pollex is vestigial or absent.

From Project Gutenberg

The hand consists of four complete digits, and a vestigial pollex reduced to a short metacarpal.

From Project Gutenberg

The first digit or pollex includes two phalanges, the distal one being very small and bearing a claw.

From Project Gutenberg