thumb etymology

Etymology:

The word "thumb" is derived from the Old English word "þuma", which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic word "*þummaz".

Meaning:

The primary meaning of "thumb" is the outermost digit of the human hand, located opposite the other four fingers. It is the shortest and strongest digit, used for grasping, holding, and manipulating objects.

Origin:

The Proto-Germanic word "þummaz" is thought to be related to the Indo-European root "tew-", meaning "to swell" or "to thicken". This suggests that the thumb was originally seen as a thicker, bulging digit compared to the other fingers.

Additional Meanings:

In addition to its primary meaning, the word "thumb" has also acquired several figurative and specialized usages:

• Thumb rule: An approximate or informal rule or principle.
• Rule of thumb: A general or practical rule based on experience or tradition.
• Green thumb: A natural ability to grow and care for plants.
• Thumb up/down: A gesture used to indicate approval or disapproval.

thumb relate terms

• limb

  Etymology The word limb comes from the Old English word lim which originally meant

• limb

  Etymology The word limb comes from the Old English word lim which originally meant

• thimble

  Etymology The word thimble comes from the Old English word thȳmel which means thum

• hitch

  Etymology The word hitch comes from the Middle English word hicchen which means to

• flip

  Etymology The word flip is derived from Old English fleopan meaning to move quick

• finger

  Etymology The word finger is derived from several ancient Proto Indo European roots

• wingnut

  Etymology The term wingnut originated in the early 20th century and is a combination of

• palette

  Etymology The word palette is derived from the Middle English word palett which in

• button hole

  Etymology button Middle English from Old French boton or directly from Vulgar Latin b

• fringe

  Etymology The word fringe comes from the Middle English word fringe which in turn d

• dire

  Dire Etymology Middle English from Old French dire from the Latin dicere to say to

• ride

  Etymology The word ride comes from the Old English word rīdan which means to go on