pollex
/ˈpɒlɛks
/noun (plural pollices /ˈpɒlɪsiːz/) Anatomy & Zoology
The innermost digit of a forelimb, especially the thumb in primates.The forefeet and hindfeet have 3 large digits; the pollex and hallux are reduced in size or absent and the fifth finger is very small....
- Four clawed digits are found on each forefoot (the pollex or ‘thumb’ is small and bears a nail); the hind foot in most has five clawed digits (but sometimes the hallux or first toe has a nail).
- All eusauropods, in contrast, are characterized by a shortened manus in which each digit bears two or fewer phalanges, and only the pollex bears an ungual.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Latin, literally 'thumb or big toe'.