Opposable Thumbs Definition

Opposable Thumbs Definitionto raise the hand with fingers extended and touch the thumb to the nose as a gesture of scorn, defiance, etc. The thumb contrasts with each of the other four fingers by being the only one that: Is opposable to the other four fingers Has two phalanges rather than three. The short thick digit of the human hand, next to the index finger and opposable to each of the other four digits. Appendages like your fingers, toes, and thumbs are digits. opposable thumb and why is it important?">What is an opposable thumb and why is it important?. Also: apposable (of the thumb of primates, esp humans) capable of being moved into a position facing the other digits so as to be able. Most primates (humans, apes, and Old World monkeys) and some other animals have opposable thumbs. net%2fhuman%2fopposable-thumbs%2f/RK=2/RS=_uBLfo6_mmQZMSatcH9PHBCDK_Y-" referrerpolicy="origin" target="_blank">See full list on scifacts. An opposable thumb is able to reach the front of the fingers on the same hand as well as the backs of the fingers. SMART Vocabulary : mots et locutions associés The hand carpal carpometacarpal carpus cuticle dexterity dexterous finger fingerprint knuckle. Learn About Opposable Digits. This definition was picked to stress what is average of a human thumbnail. What’s another name for opposable thumb?. Apposable Definition & Meaning. The part of a glove or mitten that covers the thumb. In primate: Hands and feet …of skilled manipulation is the opposable thumb—a thumb, that is to say, that is capable of being moved freely and independently. As Thumb move in different directions than fingers, so-called opposable Thumbs and we, humans are only Mammals having fully opposable Thumbs. opposable adjective /əˈpəʊzəbl/ /əˈpəʊzəbl/ (of a thumb) capable of touching the other fingers on the same hand in order to hold things the opposable thumb of humans and monkeys Want to learn more?. The adjectiveis the word that accompanies the noun to determine or qualify it. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. are the benefits of opposable thumbs?. «Opposable» The thumb is the first finger of the hand. Recent Examples on the Web But, the monkeys with opposable thumbs were duped. “Opposable” is a word that’s only ever really used to describe thumbs. com">What are the benefits of opposable thumbs?. Opposable definition and meaning. thumb (thŭm) n. Opposable thumbs are thumbs that can be put opposite the fingers of the same hand, so that objects can be picked up and held: All primates have opposable thumbs, so opposable thumbs are not unique to humans. Opposableis an adjective. The thumb is an opposable digit. Opposable definition: Possible to oppose or resist. So, having an opposable thumb means one has the ability to place the thumb opposite to, or across from the other digits (the fingers). Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. What are opposable thumbs?. Behaviorally, an opposable thumb can refer to the ability of. As Thumb move in different directions than fingers, so-called opposable Thumbs and we, humans are only Mammals having fully opposable Thumbs. thumbed, thumbing, thumbs The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. In primate: Hands and feet …of skilled manipulation is the opposable thumb—a thumb, that is to say, that is capable of being moved freely and independently. Opposable thumbs are a very useful adaptation that allows for better grasping and manipulation of tools. Thumb definition. A few anatomists limit fifth digit opposition (little finger) if the thumb is determined and partner the apparatus of extra improvements between both thumb and different digits. com">What is a opposable thumb definition? – Thecrucibleonscreen. Striking Writers Are Worried About A. 10 Animals With Opposable Thumbs – And Why It’s So Rare. Capable of moving opposite to and touching one or more other digits of the same hand or foot in a way that allows grasping. (ə-pō′zə-bəl) A thumb that can be placed opposite the fingers of the same hand. So, having an opposable thumb means one has the ability to place the thumb opposite to, or across from the other digits (the fingers). Noun [ edit] opposable thumb ( plural opposable thumbs ) A thumb that can be positioned so that it faces the opposite direction from that of the other fingers, especially the smallest finger, of the same hand. op·pos·a·ble thumb (ə-pō′zə-bəl) A thumb that can be placed opposite the fingers of the same hand. What are the benefits of opposable thumbs?. Primates are not alone in having grasping feet, but as these occur in many other arboreal mammals (e. Opposable thumbs are a unique feature of primates and a few other species. op· pos· able ə-ˈpō-zə-bəl 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 ə-ˌpō-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē noun Example Sentences Humans have an opposable thumb. In primate: Hands and feet …of skilled manipulation is the opposable thumb—a thumb, that is to say, that is capable of being moved freely and independently. There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. com">How many animals have opposable thumbs?. This may not seem very special, but it is - most animals have toes or fingers that flex in only one direction. Urban Dictionary: opposable">Urban Dictionary: opposable. Opposable thumbs allow the digits to grasp and handle objects and are characteristic of primates. A corresponding digit in other animals, especially primates. Opposable_Thumbs_-_11-14_-_Classroom_Presentation. Anatomically, an opposable thumb can be defined as the first digit diverging away from the other digits. Recent Examples on the Web Who needs an opposable thumb, anyway?. An opposable grip. capable of being apposed or brought into apposition 2. Prehensility is the property that makes an organ or. In essence, writers are asking the studios for guardrails against being replaced by A. Examples of opposable thumb in a sentence, how to use it. Definition of opposable adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. How Dexterous Thumbs May Have Helped Shape Evolution Two …. Other animals with opposable thumbs include gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and other variants of apes; certain frogs, koalas, pandas, possums and opossums, and many birds have an opposable digit of some sort. op·pos·a·ble thumb (ə-pō′zə-bəl) A thumb that can be placed opposite the fingers of the same hand. opposable thumb in a sentence. Not true; “opposable” in biology can refer to any opposable digits. apposable / ( əˈpəʊzəbəl) / adjective capable of being apposed or brought into apposition anatomy another word for opposable (def. Opposable Thumbs Watch on. Noun [ edit] opposable thumb ( plural opposable thumbs ) A thumb that can be positioned so that it faces the opposite direction from that of the other fingers, especially the smallest finger, of the same hand. Having an opposable thumb means that you are able to rotate and flex your thumb so that it "opposes" or touches the tips of your other fingers, fingerprint to fingerprint. op· pos· able ə-ˈpō-zə-bəl 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. Urban Dictionary: disposable thumbs. opposable thumb. This is caused by a saddle joint where the thumb connects to the hand. com">Learn About Opposable Digits. The presence of an opposable thumb is considered important for manipulation of most objects in the physical world. This property, called the opposability of the thumb, is a unique feature seen not only in human beings but all primates. A corresponding digit in other animals,. Explanation: They are called opposable because the thumb can be moved around to touch the other fingers, which gives people the ability to grasp things. Opposable thumbs are thumbs that can be put opposite the fingers of the same hand, so that…. thumbed, thumb·ing, thumbs v. An opposable digit is able to touch the fingers and cover them. com">What are opposable thumbs?. Pronator quadratus (PQ): The PQ is a square-shaped muscle just above your wrist on the thumb side. Koalas have two “thumbs” on the front foot or hand, and one on the hind foot. They are called opposable because the thumb can be moved around to touch the other fingers, which gives people the ability to grasp things. The presence of an opposable thumb is considered important for manipulation of most objects in the physical world. Having an opposable thumb means that you are able to rotate and flex your thumb so that it “opposes” or touches the tips of your other fingers, fingerprint to fingerprint. It’s what gives humans the unique opposable thumb that sets us apart from other primates. thumb (thŭm) n. Opposable thumbs allow the digits to grasp and handle objects and are characteristic of primates. When a person is standing in the medical anatomical position, the thumb is the outermost digit. Opposable thumbs are a type of finger that can rotate on the hand to touch the fingers. Does a Human Have Opposable Thumbs? The term “opposable” has a wide range of definitions among anatomists. apposable / ( əˈpəʊzəbəl) / adjective capable of being apposed or brought into apposition anatomy another word for opposable (def. They are found in various marsupials. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases The hand carpal carpometacarpal carpus cuticle dexterity dexterous finger fingerprint knuckle. For a human anatomist or clinician, however, an opposable thumb applies to the ability of the pollex of humans to achieve a combination of movements (i. It’s what gives humans the unique opposable thumb that sets us apart from other primates. An opposable thumb is a digit that can move in a different direction compared to the other digits on a limb of an animal. What is an opposable thumb and why is it important? Human thumbs are called opposable thumbs. This property, called the opposability of the thumb, is a unique feature seen not only in human beings but all primates. It means the ability to control the thumbs independent of the rest of the fingers facilitating grasping things with one hand easily. This page was last edited on 8 December 2022, at 22:15. Other articles where opposable thumb is discussed: primate: …lemurs and lorises have an opposable thumb. They are called opposable because the thumb can be moved around to touch the other fingers, which gives people the ability to grasp things. The short thick digit of the human hand, next to the index finger and opposable to each of the other four digits. Opposable thumbs are digits that are opposite to the fingers and are able to move freely in the joint. They differ in certain respects, as in the proportion of the limbs, in the bony development of the eyebrow ridges, and in the opposable great toe, which fits the foot to be a climbing and grasping organ. A play on the term “ opposable thumbs ,” essentially implying that humans can dispose of their thumbs. (ə-pō′zə-bəl) A thumb that can be placed opposite the fingers of the same hand. This thumb ROM is useful in order to grasp objects between the thumb and fingers. Thumb and finger examples. Do tarsiers have opposable thumbs?. (Anatomy) Also: apposable (of the thumb of primates, esp man) capable of being moved into a position facing the other digits so as to be able to touch the ends of each. Berthold Steinhilber/Tübingen. The researchers estimated how powerful the thumb was in some of our fossil human relatives by virtually modeling a muscle in the thumb that is important for opposability and the motion that. Opposable thumbs are thumbs that can be put opposite the fingers of the same hand, so that objects can be picked up and held: All primates have opposable thumbs, so opposable thumbs are not unique to humans. How Dexterous Thumbs May Have Helped Shape Evolution Two Million Years. The movement of opposition is a rotary movement in which the thumb, swinging about its own axis, comes to face the lower surface of the tips of the fingers. Opposable thumbs allow the digits to grasp and handle objects, and are characteristic of primates. Wikipedia: The thumb, unlike other fingers, is opposable, in that it is the only digit on the human hand which is able to oppose or turn back against the other four fingers, and thus enables the hand to refine its grip to hold objects which it would be unable to do otherwise. The Amazing Opposable Thumb in Humans. A few anatomists limit fifth digit opposition (little finger) if the thumb is determined and partner the apparatus of extra improvements between both thumb and different digits. Behaviorally, an opposable thumb can refer to the ability of the pollex to converge toward to the fingers using a motion known as opposability. Having an opposable thumb means that you are able to rotate and flex your thumb so that it “opposes” or touches the tips of your other fingers,. Opposable thumbs are a type of finger that can rotate on the hand to touch the fingers. Behaviorally, an opposable thumb can refer to the ability of the pollex to converge toward to the fingers using a motion known as opposability. In primate: Hands and feet of skilled manipulation is the opposable thumb—a thumb, that is to say, that is capable of being moved freely and independently. Capable of moving opposite to and touching one or more other digits of the same hand or foot in a way that allows grasping. Human thumbs are called opposable thumbs. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Does a Human Have Opposable Thumbs? The term “opposable” has a wide range of definitions among anatomists. An opposable thumb is a digit See full answer below. In essence, writers are asking the studios for guardrails against being replaced by A. The thumb clinical Latin Language noun is pollex (equate big toe glenoid), and the related thumb term is pollical. opposable adjective /əˈpəʊzəbl/ /əˈpəʊzəbl/ (of a thumb) capable of touching the other fingers on the same hand in order to hold things the opposable thumb of humans and monkeys Want to learn more?. There is also an apposition definition, which refers to the other approximations. (of a thumb) capable of touching the other fingers on the same hand in order to hold things. Definition of opposable 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 Why are opposable thumbs so important in monkeys?. An opposable thumb is a highly useful adaptation. How many animals have opposable thumbs?. “Opposable” is a word that’s only ever really used to describe thumbs. Opposable Thumbs Watch on. capable of being placed opposite something else. The thumb is the outer edge digit whenever an individual is in a clinical location (where even the palm is towards the front). Increased manual dexterity as a result of a powerful thumb gave our early ancestors an edge, paleoanthropologist and lead study author Katerina Harvati said. As a general rule, a digit is an opposable thumb if it is the first on the inside of. Human thumbs are called opposable thumbs. Overview of Opposable Digits. opposable thumbs what people say if they want to sound smart. Urban Dictionary: opposable thumbs. Publicize your LinkedIn page on Urban Dictionary in just 3 clicks More random definitions. The Grasping Hand: Primate Fingers. Also: apposable (of the thumb of primates, esp humans) capable of being moved into a position facing the other digits so as to be able to touch the ends of each 3. This long thumb and its ability to easily touch the other fingers allow humans to firmly grasp and manipulate objects of many different shapes. “Quadratus” means square and “pronator” describes its motion. Do tigers have opposable thumbs?. However, recently there have been reports that the thumb,. An opposable thumb is able to reach the front of the fingers on the same hand as well as the backs of the fingers. Human thumbs are called opposable thumbs. Thumb refers to the first digit of the human hand, set apart and opposable to the other four digits of the hand. ” In terms of fingers, the definition is different and secondary, in most dictionaries: “Capable of being placed against one or more of the remaining digits of a hand or foot. Opposable thumbs are a very useful adaptation that allows for better grasping and manipulation of tools. This definition was picked to stress what is average of a human thumbnail. Capable of moving opposite to and touching one or more other digits of the same hand or foot in a way that allows grasping: The thumb is an opposable digit. Also: apposable (of the thumb of primates, esp man) capable of being moved into a position facing the other. Origins and Evolution of Human Language: Opposable Thumb. The movement of opposition is a rotary movement in which the thumb, swinging about its own axis, comes to face the lower surface of the tips of the fingers. Opposable Definition & Meaning. opposable thumb ( plural opposable thumbs ) A thumb that can be positioned so that it faces the opposite direction from that of the other fingers, especially. thumbs">Urban Dictionary: disposable thumbs. Because developing dexterous, opposable thumbs pushed our ancestors to make and use tools, eat more meat and grow bigger brains, scientists have long. Webster's New World Resulting from or characterized by such a digit. Basically, term ‘opposable’ means an ability to situate against another thing, and now notice your Thumb it will situate itself according to fingers. capable of being placed opposite something else Collins English Dictionary. The simple definition is this: “Capable of being opposed or resisted. Bipedal Definition: Two-footed; upright locomotion (of hominins). However, recently there have been reports that the thumb, like other fingers, has three phalanges, but lacks a metacarpal bone. ” Opposable thumbs are quite rare in the animal kingdom, excepting humans, of course. Opposable definition, capable of being placed opposite to something else: the opposable thumb of primates. “ Stereoscopic vision, depth perception, certain emotions and other perceptions, and the ability to stretch our thumbs farther than most other species, the ability to build and destroy things, and many other traits individually or in combination separate us from other species, not necessarily all species though. Opposable thumbs are digits that are opposite to the fingers and are able to move freely in the joint. Some define it as contact while others say it’s diametrically opposite. [ ə-pō ′zə-bəl ] A thumb that can be placed opposite the fingers of the same hand. There are many anatomists and scientists zeroed in on human life structures who see rivalry. A play on the term “ opposable thumbs ,” essentially implying that humans can dispose of their thumbs. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app. American Heritage Capable of being moved so as to touch the other digits. So humans usually have five digits per hand, one of which is the thumb. What is an opposable thumb and why is it important?. The presence of an opposable thumb is considered important for manipulation of most objects in the physical world. Metacarpal Definition & Meaning. From Wikipedia His hands have a total of three digits, including an opposable thumb, though his other two non-pollical digits are much larger than those of the human. Opposable Thumbs Definition: A thumb that can touch all the other fingers. Opposable thumbs are thumbs that can be put opposite the fingers of the same hand, so that objects can be picked up and held: All primates have opposable thumbs, so opposable thumbs are not unique to humans. This long thumb and its ability to easily touch the other fingers allow. The thumb is an opposable digit. Students learn the definition of an opposable thumb, explore the variety of species with this trait and, through a fun, hands-on experiment, examine the tasks primates can accomplish with it. The rotational ability of the opposable thumb gives the animal the ability. the opposable thumb of humans and monkeys Want to learn more? Find out which words work together and produce more natural-sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app. opposable thumb [ ə-pō ′zə-bəl ] A thumb that can be placed opposite the fingers of the same hand. , having their work used to train A. by UrAverageHoovy October 30, 2022 Get the disposable thumbs mug. , opposition) resulting in touching between its pulp surface with the pulp surface of adjacent fingers, mainly the index finger. opposable thumb definition? – Thecrucibleonscreen. The researchers estimated how powerful the thumb was in some of our fossil human relatives by virtually modeling a muscle in the thumb that is important for opposability and the motion that. op·pos·a·ble (ə-pō′zə-bəl) adj. " Opposable thumbs are quite rare in the animal kingdom, excepting humans, of course. It involves a specialized digit on the hand that can move to touch the fingertips from the opposite direction. Opposable thumbs allow the digits to grasp and handle objects and are characteristic of primates. A corresponding digit in other. What is a opposable thumb definition? – Thecrucibleonscreen. Humans have an opposable thumb, meaning that they are able to simultaneously flex, abduct and medially rotate the thumb (pollex) so as to bring its tip into opposition with the tips of any of the other digits. The simple definition is this: “Capable of being opposed or resisted. The simple definition is this: "Capable of being opposed or resisted. Homo, genus of the family Hominidae (order Primates) characterized by a relatively large cranial capacity, limb structure adapted to a habitual erect posture and a bipedal gait, well-developed and fully. be all thumbs, to be clumsy. op· pos· able ə-ˈpō-zə-bəl 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 ə-ˌpō-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē noun Example Sentences Humans have an opposable thumb. Organs like hands, claws, tails, and even tongues and noses are prehensile in various species. The thumb, unlike other fingers, is opposable, in that it is the only digit on the human hand which is able to oppose or turn back against the other four fingers, and thus enables the hand to refine its grip to hold objects which it would be unable to do otherwise. What’s another name for opposable thumb?. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases The hand carpal carpometacarpal carpus cuticle dexterity dexterous finger. The American Heritage® Student Science Dictionary, Second Edition. The thumbs were the hand's initial digit. An opposable thumb is a digit See full answer below. The part of a glove or mitten that covers the thumb. Opposable thumb Definition & Meaning. This allows the animal to do a myriad of tasks with ease like climbing,. 2) QUIZ There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. It allows you to pronate your hand, which means turning your arm so your palm faces downward. I thought that “opposable” was entirely a matter of the setup of. ” In terms of fingers, the definition is different and secondary, in most dictionaries: “Capable of. Most primates (humans, apes, and Old World monkeys) and some other animals have opposable thumbs. «Opposable» The thumb is the first finger of the hand. The thumb contrasts with each of the other four fingers by being the only one that: Is opposable to the other four fingers Has two phalanges rather than three. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers Derived forms opposably (opˈposably). apposable ( əˈpəʊzəbəl) adj 1. Opposable thumbs are digits that are opposite to the fingers and are able to move freely in the joint. Can You Call Your Thumb a Finger?. There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones. opposable adjective /əˈpəʊzəbl/ /əˈpəʊzəbl/ (of a thumb) capable of touching the other fingers on the same hand in order to hold things the opposable thumb of humans and monkeys Want to learn more?. thumb one's nose, a. For a human anatomist or clinician, however, an opposable thumb applies to the ability of the pollex of humans to achieve a combination of movements (i. [ ə-pō ′zə-bəl ] A thumb that can be placed opposite the fingers of the same hand. the opposable thumb of humans and monkeys Want to learn more? Find out which words work together and produce more natural-sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app. Thumbs gave human ancestors a 'formidable' advantage. It’s what gives humans the unique opposable thumb that sets us apart from other primates. 10 Animals With Opposable Thumbs. The human opposable thumb is longer, compared to finger length, than any other primate thumb. Opposable thumbs are a unique feature of primates and a few other species. This is caused by a saddle joint where the thumb connects to the hand. opposable thumb [ ə-pō ′zə-bəl ] A thumb that can be placed opposite the fingers of the same hand. opposable definition: 1. Basically, term ‘opposable’ means an ability to situate against another thing, and now notice your Thumb it will situate itself according to fingers. Copyright © 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. op·pos·a·ble thumb. com">Do cats have opposable thumbs?. Many dinosaurs had opposable digits as well. com">Opposable Definition & Meaning. Students learn the definition of an opposable thumb, explore the variety of species with this trait and, through a fun, hands-on experiment, examine the tasks primates can accomplish with it. Some opposums also have opposable digits. com">Do tarsiers have opposable thumbs?. Students learn the definition of an opposable thumb, explore the variety of species with this trait and, through a fun, hands-on experiment, examine the tasks primates can accomplish with it. (Anatomy) anatomy another word for opposable 2 Collins English Dictionary – Complete. An opposable digit is able to touch the fingers and cover them. " In terms of fingers, the definition is different and secondary, in most dictionaries: "Capable of being placed against one or more of the remaining digits of a hand or foot. com/_ylt=AwrFdDjkpmBkJXklUwxXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzUEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1684084581/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww. 301 Moved Permanently. : of, relating to, or being the metacarpus or a metacarpal metacarpal 2 of 2 noun : a bone of the part of the hand or forefoot between the carpus and the phalanges that typically contains five more or less elongated bones when all the digits are present Example Sentences Recent Examples on the Web Adjective. In the animal kingdom, “opposable” is a term used regarding thumbs, whether it’s human or one of the rare animals with opposable thumbs. opposable meaning: 1. thumbed, thumb·ing, thumbs v. This is a narrower and more precise definition. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike. As a general rule, a digit is an opposable thumb if it is the first on the inside of. Opposable thumbs are thumbs that can be put opposite the fingers of the same hand, so that objects can be picked up and held: All primates have opposable thumbs, so. Other animals with opposable thumbs include gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and other variants of apes; certain frogs, koalas, pandas, possums and opossums, and many birds have an opposable digit of some sort. 19 examples: He has sharpened canine teeth, and four clawed digits, including an opposable. From Wikipedia His hands have a total of three digits, including an opposable thumb, though his other two non-pollical digits are much larger than those of the human. Not just primates have opposable digits. Anatomically, an opposable thumb can be defined as the first digit diverging away from the other digits. Opposable thumbs allow the digits to grasp and handle objects, and are characteristic of primates. Capable of moving opposite to and touching one or more other digits of the same hand or foot in a way that allows grasping: The thumb is an opposable digit. Opposable thumbs synonyms, Opposable thumbs pronunciation, Opposable thumbs translation, English dictionary definition of Opposable thumbs. Opposable thumbs allow the digits to grasp and handle objects, and are. -generated scripts at a fraction of. The thumb, unlike other fingers, is opposable, in that it is the only digit on the human hand which is able to oppose or turn back against the other four fingers, and thus. Humans have an opposable thumb, meaning that they are able to simultaneously flex, abduct and medially rotate the thumb (pollex) so as to bring its tip into opposition with. com">Apposable Definition & Meaning. This may not seem very special, but it is – most animals have toes or fingers that flex in only one direction. “Quadratus” means square and “pronator” describes. smart guy: humans are the only mammal with opposable thumbs dumb guy: what? smart guy: walks away leaving dumb guy feeling dumb by dudedr July 28, 2015. Anterior Interosseus Nerve: Anatomy, Function, and Treatment. Do bats have opposable thumbs?. : of, relating to, or being the metacarpus or a metacarpal metacarpal 2 of 2 noun : a bone of the part of the hand or forefoot between the carpus and the phalanges that typically contains five more or less elongated bones when all the digits are present Example Sentences Recent Examples on the Web Adjective. Prehensility is the property that makes an organ or appendage suitable for grasping. Anatomically, an opposable thumb can be defined as the first digit diverging away from the other digits. , squirrels and opossums), and as most present-day primates are arboreal, this characteristic suggests that they evolved from an ancestor that was arboreal. WHAT DOES OPPOSABLEMEAN IN ENGLISH? Thumb The thumbis the first finger of the hand. Do Tigers Have Opposable Thumbs?. Humans are some of the only animals that have disposable thumbs. com">Do bats have opposable thumbs?. Granted, most of these are primates, as are we. Become a member and unlock all Study Answers Start today. opposable / ( əˈpəʊzəbəl) / adjective capable of being opposed Also: apposable (of the thumb of primates, esp man) capable of being moved into a position facing the other digits so as to be able to touch the ends of each capable of being placed opposite something else Derived forms of opposable opposably, adverb opposability, noun. The human opposable thumb is longer, compared to finger length, than any other primate thumb. com">Do tigers have opposable thumbs?.