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Meaning & use

opposable

adjective·Academicbiologytechnical

Last updated

UK/əˈpəʊzəbl/
US/əˈpoʊzəbəl/

Meaning

  1. adjectivenot comparablebiologytechnical

    Able to be turned so it touches the tips of the other digits on the same hand or foot, allowing a firm grip.

    Grammar: Usually placed before a noun such as thumb: an opposable thumb.

    Patterns

    • an opposable thumb
    • an opposable toe

    Humans have an opposable thumb, so they can hold a pencil firmly.

    Monkeys use opposable thumbs to grip branches as they climb.

    The robot hand was designed with an opposable thumb to pick up cups.

Common combinations

opposable thumb
An opposable thumb makes it easy to open a jar.
opposable toe
Some primates have an opposable toe on each foot.
opposable digit
The koala has an opposable digit that helps it grip eucalyptus branches.
fully opposable
The glove restricted his thumb, which is fully opposable.
evolution of the opposable thumb
The evolution of the opposable thumb helped early humans use tools.

Synonyms and how they differ

prehensile
Prehensile means able to grasp, and it describes tails and feet as well, while opposable is mainly about thumbs.
grasping
Grasping is a general word for holding and does not name the special thumb movement.

Opposites

non-opposable

Word family

oppose verb
to set against or to work against
opposition noun
the act of being against; also placing against
opposability noun
the ability of a digit to touch the others
opposite adjective
facing or completely different

Commonly confused: opposable or opposed? opposable or opposing?

opposable vs opposed

Opposed means against something, such as a plan, while opposable describes a thumb that can touch the other fingers.

opposable vs opposing

Opposing means facing or in conflict, such as opposing teams.

Practice

What does it mean to say a thumb is opposable?

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