: the first digit of the forelimb : thumb

Word History

Etymology

New Latin pollic-, pollex, from Latin, thumb, big toe

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pollex was in 1702

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pollex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollex. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

: the first digit of the forelimb : thumb

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