Finger

Definition

Finger is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to one of the five digits extending from the hand in humans, excluding the thumb. As a verb, it means to touch or manipulate with the fingers, or to identify or point out someone or something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɪŋɡər/
• Respelling: FING-gər

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɪŋɡə/
• Respelling: FING-guh

Etymology

The word "finger" originates from Old English "finger," which is derived from Proto-Germanic "*fingraz." This term is related to Old Norse "fingr" and Old High German "fingar," maintaining its meaning of a digit on the hand. Its Indo-European root "*penkwe-" aligns with the concept of "five."

Derivatives

• Fingering (noun/verb)
• Fingered (adjective/verb)
• Fingerless (adjective)
• Fingerprint (noun)
• Fingerling (noun, small fish)

Synonyms

• Digit
• Appendage
• Phalange

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "finger" is commonly used to refer to parts of the hand, as in "He pointed with his index finger." As a verb, it means to touch or point out, e.g., "She fingered the fabric to feel its texture," or "He was fingered as the suspect by the witness."

Related Terms

• Hand: The part of the body that includes fingers and thumb.
• Digit: Any of the fingers or toes in humans or animals.
• Thumb: The short, thick digit of the hand, distinct from fingers.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• One of the five digits extending from the hand: Refers to the elongated parts of the hand used for manipulation and touch.
  • Example: "She wears a ring on her middle finger."
• A slender or finger-like object: Used metaphorically to describe objects resembling a finger in shape.
  • Example: "A finger of land extends into the sea."

Verb

• To touch or manipulate with the fingers: Refers to using fingers to handle or examine something.
  • Example: "She fingered the keys nervously."
• To point out or identify someone: Refers to indicating or accusing someone of something.
  • Example: "The witness fingered him as the perpetrator."