THUMB Meaning and
Definition
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Thumb (noun):
1. The short, thick finger located on the side of the hand opposite the other four fingers, enabling grasping and fine motor skills. The thumb is characterized by its unique position and flexibility, allowing for a wide range of movements crucial in holding and manipulating objects and tools.
2. A gesture in which the thumb is raised to signify approval, agreement, or satisfaction. This universal gesture has become a symbol of positive feedback or support, often employed to express one's contentment or approval in various contexts.
3. The part of a glove, mitten, or other hand protection that covers and protects the thumb. It contributes to keeping the thumb warm, safeguarding it from external elements while allowing it to maintain its dexterity and functionality.
4. A unit of measurement, particularly in ancient times. The thumb was traditionally used to estimate an inch's length, as it was considered roughly equivalent to the width of an adult thumb at its widest point.
5. To thumb (verb): To flick through, skim, or quickly browse something, such as the pages of a book or magazine. This action typically involves using the thumb to rapidly turn the pages or glide across a touchscreen surface, seeking specific information or gaining a general understanding.
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The first finger on the radial side of the hand, pollex.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• The short, thick finger of the hand.
• To handle awkwardly; to play or soil with the thumb or fingers; to finger.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for THUMB *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for THUMB
Etymology of THUMB
The word "thumb" originated from the Old English word "thūma", which can be traced back to the proto-Germanic word "*thūhōną". This word is believed to have derived from the Indo-European base "*tewh-" or "*teuh-", which meant "swell" or "inflate". The word "thumb" specifically refers to the short and thick digit on the hand, which is associated with its characteristic swelling or protrusion.
Idioms with the word THUMB
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rule of thumb
The expression "rule of thumb" refers to a general principle or guideline that is based on general experience or practical wisdom, rather than exact measurements or strict rules. It suggests a rough estimate or an approximate way of doing things.
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under sb's thumb
The idiom "under sb's thumb" means to be under someone else's control or influence, usually in a submissive or subordinate position. It suggests that someone has power or authority over another person and that person has little freedom or autonomy.
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thumb a ride
The idiom "thumb a ride" means to solicit or request a ride from passing vehicles by extending one's thumb in a hitchhiking gesture, typically done by standing on the side of the road.
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a rule of thumb
The idiom "a rule of thumb" refers to a general guideline or principle used for making approximate measurements or estimates, usually in a practical or informal context. It is a broadly applicable and easily remembered rule that helps to guide actions or decisions.
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thumb nose at
The idiom "thumb nose at" means to show contempt, ridicule, or defiance towards someone or something, often by openly disrespecting or mocking them. It can be interpreted as a gesture of defiance or defiance towards authority or societal norms.
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under sb's/sth's thumb
The idiom "under sb's/sth's thumb" is used to describe a situation where someone is completely controlled or dominated by another person or a particular thing. It implies a lack of independence or freedom of action, as one is constantly under the influence or authority of someone or something else.
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thumb your nose at sb/sth
The idiom "thumb your nose at someone or something" means to show a deliberate act of disrespect, disdain, or disregard towards someone or something. It often involves openly defying or mocking a person, an authority, a rule, or a convention.
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thumb your nose at sth/sb
The idiom "thumb your nose at something/somebody" means to display contempt or disrespect towards someone or something in a defiant or dismissive manner. It implies openly disregarding or mocking authority, rules, or conventions.
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be under sb's thumb
The idiom "be under sb's thumb" means to be excessively controlled or dominated by someone, usually a person in a position of power or authority. It implies that the person being controlled has little freedom or independence and is constantly under the influence and direction of another individual.
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thumb one's nose at sm or sth
The idiom "thumb one's nose at someone or something" means to express a gesture of disrespect or defiance towards someone or something. It refers to the act of extending the thumb of one hand, bending it, and then placing it on the tip of the nose while wiggling the remaining fingers, often associated with mocking or belittling. Figuratively, it signifies showing contempt, disregard, or scorn towards a person, an authority, or a rule.
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under thumb
The idiom "under thumb" refers to being under someone's control or influence, typically in a submissive or obedient manner. It suggests that someone is being dominated or manipulated by another person, lacking personal freedom or autonomy.
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thumb one's nose
The idiom "thumb one's nose" means to openly show contempt, defiance, or disrespect towards someone or something, often by making a gesture of contempt by placing the thumb on the tip of the nose while wiggling the other fingers. It can also refer to disregarding or belittling someone or something in a mocking manner.
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under someone's thumb
The idiom "under someone's thumb" refers to being excessively controlled, influenced, or dominated by someone else, usually implying a lack of personal freedom or independence.
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bite (one's) thumb at
The idiom "bite one's thumb at" is an expression referring to a gesture of contempt or defiance. It dates back to William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, where biting one's thumb was a provocative and insulting gesture. It implies insulting or showing disrespect towards someone.
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brown thumb
The idiom "brown thumb" refers to someone who has the opposite of a green thumb, meaning they have a poor ability to grow or take care of plants. It suggests that a person with a "brown thumb" has a tendency to inadvertently harm or kill plants rather than nurture and help them thrive.
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green thumb
The idiom "green thumb" refers to a person's natural talent or ability to successfully grow and care for plants. It typically indicates someone who has a skill for gardening and horticulture, possessing a special touch when it comes to nurturing and cultivating plant life.
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thumb a lift
The idiom "thumb a lift" (also known as "hitch a lift" or "thumb a ride") means to signal or gesture with one's thumb in a hopeful manner, usually by the side of the road, in order to indicate the desire to be given a free ride in someone else's vehicle.
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keep (someone) under (one's) thumb
The idiom "keep (someone) under (one's) thumb" means to maintain control and dominance over someone, often by exerting one's authority or power to manipulate or influence their actions and decisions. It implies that the person being controlled is submissive and obedient, fully subject to the whims and wishes of the person in control.
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thumb through sth
The idiom "thumb through something" means to quickly skim or browse through a book, magazine, or document by flipping the pages with your thumb. It refers to a casual or superficial perusal, rather than reading it thoroughly.
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stick out like a sore thumb
The idiom "stick out like a sore thumb" means to easily or noticeably stand out or be conspicuous in a particular situation or group, usually due to being different, unusual, or out of place.
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thumb through something
The definition of the idiom "thumb through something" is to quickly or casually look through the pages of a book, magazine, or other material by using one's thumb to flip the pages. This idiom is often used to describe a casual or cursory reading of a publication or document.
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stand/stick out like a sore thumb
The idiom "stand/stick out like a sore thumb" is used to describe someone or something that is easily noticeable or distinct in a particular environment or context. It suggests that the person or object is conspicuous or out of place, drawing attention to itself due to its obvious differences.
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stand out like a sore thumb
The idiom "stand out like a sore thumb" means to be very noticeable or conspicuous, usually in a negative way. It refers to something or someone that is easily seen or identified due to being different or out of place in a particular context or environment.
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thumb through
The idiom "thumb through" means to quickly skim or browse through the pages of a book, magazine, or document by using one's thumb to turn the pages rapidly.
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have a green thumb
The idiom "have a green thumb" is used to describe someone who has a natural talent or skill for gardening, specifically in terms of successfully growing plants and maintaining a garden. This person is typically able to nurture and care for plants effectively, resulting in healthy and thriving vegetation.
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have (someone) under (one's) thumb
The idiom "have (someone) under (one's) thumb" means to have complete control or dominance over someone, to exert power and influence over them, often to the point where they are totally submissive or obedient. It suggests that the person being controlled is at the mercy or in the grip of the person in control.
Similar spelling word for THUMB
Conjugate verb Thumb
CONDITIONAL
I
would thumb
you
would thumb
he/she/it
would thumb
we
would thumb
they
would thumb
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be thumbing
you
would be thumbing
he/she/it
would be thumbing
we
would be thumbing
they
would be thumbing
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have thumb
you
would have thumb
he/she/it
would have thumb
we
would have thumb
they
would have thumb
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been thumbing
you
would have been thumbing
he/she/it
would have been thumbing
we
would have been thumbing
they
would have been thumbing
FUTURE
I
will thumb
you
will thumb
he/she/it
will thumb
we
will thumb
they
will thumb
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be thumbing
you
will be thumbing
he/she/it
will be thumbing
we
will be thumbing
they
will be thumbing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have thumbed
you
will have thumbed
he/she/it
will have thumbed
we
will have thumbed
they
will have thumbed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been thumbing
you
will have been thumbing
he/she/it
will have been thumbing
we
will have been thumbing
they
will have been thumbing
IMPERATIVE
you
thumb
we
let´s thumb
to thumb
PAST
I
thumbed
you
thumbed
he/she/it
thumbed
we
thumbed
they
thumbed
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was thumbing
you
were thumbing
he/she/it
was thumbing
we
were thumbing
they
were thumbing
PAST PARTICIPLE
thumbed
PAST PERFECT
I
had thumbed
you
had thumbed
he/she/it
had thumbed
we
had thumbed
they
had thumbed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been thumbing
you
had been thumbing
he/she/it
had been thumbing
we
had been thumbing
they
had been thumbing
PRESENT
I
thumb
you
thumb
he/she/it
thumbs
we
thumb
they
thumb
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am thumbing
you
are thumbing
he/she/it
is thumbing
we
are thumbing
they
are thumbing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
thumbing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have thumbed
you
have thumbed
he/she/it
has thumbed
we
have thumbed
they
have thumbed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been thumbing
you
have been thumbing
he/she/it
has been thumbing
we
have been thumbing
they
have been thumbing
I
would have thumbed
we
would have thumbed
you
would have thumbed
he/she/it
would have thumbed
they
would have thumbed
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