opposable

adjective

op·​pos·​able ə-ˈpō-zə-bəl How to pronounce opposable (audio)
1
: capable of being opposed or resisted
2
: capable of being placed against one or more of the remaining digits of a hand or foot
the opposable human thumb
opposability noun

Examples of opposable in a Sentence

Humans have an opposable thumb.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This could be the app version of convergent evolution, which led humans and koalas to each have opposable thumbs. Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2024 Thumb opposition isn’t unique to humans, and in fact an opposable thumb facilitates the enhanced grasping abilities of many primates. Sabrina Sholts, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 Its wide eyes and opposable thumbs help the pygmy slow loris move around the forest in the night, searching for tasty insects. USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024 The ability to occlude the thumb is the key to the magic trick, so the thumb must be opposable. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 4 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for opposable 

Word History

Etymology

oppose + -able

First Known Use

circa 1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of opposable was circa 1812

Dictionary Entries Near opposable

Cite this Entry

“Opposable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opposable. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

opposable

adjective
op·​pos·​able ə-ˈpō-zə-bəl How to pronounce opposable (audio)
: capable of being placed against one or more of the remaining digits of a hand or foot
the opposable human thumb

Medical Definition

opposable

adjective
op·​pos·​able ə-ˈpō-zə-bəl How to pronounce opposable (audio)
: capable of being placed against one or more of the remaining digits of a hand or foot
an opposable thumb
opposability noun
plural opposabilities
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