finger

¹fin·ger

noun \ˈfiŋ-gər\

Definition of FINGER

1

: any of the five terminating members of the hand : a digit of the forelimb; especially : one other than the thumb

2

a : something that resembles a finger <a narrow finger of land>

b : a part of a glove into which a finger is inserted

c : a projecting piece (as a pawl for a ratchet) brought into contact with an object to affect its motion

3

: the breadth of a finger

4

: interest, share —often used in the phrase have a finger in the pie

5

: bird 10 —usually used with the

— fin·ger·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of FINGER

1. Don't stick your fingers in the cookie batter!
2. He slipped the ring onto her finger.
3. The baby held onto my thumb with her tiny fingers.
4. She ran her fingers through his hair.
5. He drummed his fingers on the table impatiently.
6. a finger of land extending into the sea
7. She was so mad, she gave him the finger.
8. Some angry driver flipped me the finger on the highway this morning.

Origin of FINGER

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German fingar finger

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

²finger

verb

fin·geredfin·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of FINGER

transitive verb

1

: to touch or feel with the fingers

2

a : to play (a musical instrument) with the fingers

b : to play (as notes or chords) with a specific fingering

c : to mark the notes of (a music score) as a guide in playing

3

: to point out : identify

4

: to extend into or penetrate in the shape of a finger

intransitive verb

1

: to touch or handle something

2

a : to use the fingers in playing a musical instrument

b : to have a certain fingering —used of a musical instrument

3

: to extend in the shape or manner of a finger

Examples of FINGER

1. He was fingered as a suspect.
2. <thus far authorities haven't been able to finger the person who's been lighting fires around town>

First Known Use of FINGER

15th century

Related to FINGER

Synonyms

distinguish, identify, ID, pinpoint, single (out)

Related Words

diagnose; determine, find; locate, pick out, place, recognize, spot; check, examine, inspect, investigate, notice, observe, scrutinize; betray, disclose, discover, reveal

Near Antonyms

camouflage, conceal, disguise, hide; counterfeit, feign, sham, simulate

fin·ger

noun \ˈfiŋ-gər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of FINGER

: any of the five terminating members of the hand : a digit of the forelimb; especially : one other than the thumb