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Index finger: meaning, definitions and examples

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index finger

[ ˈɪnˌdɛks ˈfɪŋɡər ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

body part

The index finger is the finger next to the thumb, often used for pointing or touching things.

Synonyms

forefinger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
index finger	Commonly used in everyday language, especially in informal and general contexts when referring to the finger closest to the thumb. She pointed at the map with her index finger. He hurt his index finger while playing basketball.
forefinger	Less commonly used and may appear in more formal or medical contexts when referring to the same finger. The doctor examined the cut on his forefinger. He tapped the table with his forefinger to emphasize his point.

Word

Description / Examples

index finger

Commonly used in everyday language, especially in informal and general contexts when referring to the finger closest to the thumb.

She pointed at the map with her index finger.
He hurt his index finger while playing basketball.

forefinger

Less commonly used and may appear in more formal or medical contexts when referring to the same finger.

The doctor examined the cut on his forefinger.
He tapped the table with his forefinger to emphasize his point.

Examples of usage

He pointed at the map with his index finger.
She pressed the button with her index finger.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

measurement

In sewing, the index finger is a unit of measure equal to the width of a finger.

Examples of usage

She measured the fabric using the index finger method.

Translations

Translations of the word "index finger" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dedo indicador

🇮🇳 तर्जनी उंगली

🇩🇪 Zeigefinger

🇮🇩 jari telunjuk

🇺🇦 вказівний палець

🇵🇱 palec wskazujący

🇯🇵 人差し指 (ひとさしゆび)

🇫🇷 index

🇪🇸 dedo índice

🇹🇷 işaret parmağı

🇰🇷 집게손가락

🇸🇦 السبابة

🇨🇿 ukazováček

🇸🇰 ukazovák

🇨🇳 食指

🇸🇮 kazalec

🇮🇸 vísifingur

🇰🇿 сұқ саусақ

🇬🇪 საჩვენებელი თითი

🇦🇿 işarət barmağı

🇲🇽 dedo índice

Etymology

The term 'index finger' dates back to the 15th century, derived from the Latin word 'index', which means 'pointer'. The index finger has been historically associated with pointing and indicating directions. It is one of the most commonly used fingers in everyday activities.