Free TranslationFree Translation
Synonyms, antonyms, pronunciation

  Home 		English Dictionary      examples: 'day', 'get rid of', 'New York Bay'




Thumb   /θəm/   Listen
noun
Thumb  n.  The short, thick first digit of the human hand, differing from the other fingers in having but two phalanges; the pollex. See Pollex. "Upon his thumb he had of gold a ring."
Thumb band, a twist of anything as thick as the thumb.
Thumb blue, indigo in the form of small balls or lumps, used by washerwomen to blue linen, and the like.
Thumb latch, a door latch having a lever formed to be pressed by the thumb.
Thumb mark.
(a)
The mark left by the impression of a thumb, as on the leaves of a book.
(b)
The dark spot over each foot in finely bred black and tan terriers.
Thumb nut, a nut for a screw, having wings to grasp between the thumb and fingers in turning it; also, a nut with a knurled rim for the same perpose.
Thumb ring, a ring worn on the thumb.
Thumb stall.
(a)
A kind of thimble or ferrule of iron, or leather, for protecting the thumb in making sails, and in other work.
(b)
(Mil.) A buckskin cushion worn on the thumb, and used to close the vent of a cannon while it is sponged, or loaded.
Under one's thumb, completely under one's power or influence; in a condition of subservience. (Colloq.)


verb
Thumb  v. t.  (past & past part. thumbed; pres. part. thumbing)  
1.
To handle awkwardly.
2.
To play with the thumbs, or with the thumbs and fingers; as, to thumb over a tune.
3.
To soil or wear with the thumb or the fingers; to soil, or wear out, by frequent handling; also, to cover with the thumb; as, to thumb the touch-hole of a cannon. "He gravely informed the enemy that all his cards had been thumbed to pieces, and begged them to let him have a few more packs."


Thumb  v. i.  To play with the thumb or thumbs; to play clumsily; to thrum.





Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48


Advanced search
     Find words:
Starting with
Ending with
Containing
Matching a pattern  

Synonyms
Antonyms
Quotes
Words linked to  

only single words


Share |




"Thumb" Quotes from Famous Books



... not unlike a nutmeg, and somewhat hard and tough. Having picked some leaves, he took one of them, and produced from his pocket a small piece of lime about the size of a pea. This he mixed with some of the nut, and enclosed in the leaf. He then took the roll between his thumb and forefinger, and rubbed it violently against the front of his gums, his teeth being closed and his lips open. After this, he began to chew it for some time, and then held it between his lips and teeth, ...
— In the Eastern Seas • W.H.G. Kingston
... a strange scene was going on. Sitting well back in his consulting-chair, his hands spread out, finger to finger, thumb to thumb, Doctor George was gazing sternly in silence at ...
— A Big Temptation • L. T. Meade
... soldier said, jerking his thumb at the sobbing man huddled against Norden. "He said his name was Orkins—Jim Orkins. He works in the warehouse. But you can't tell anything about the rest o' what he says. He just babbles, sir. Something about livin' lightnin' ...
— The Whispering Spheres • Russell Robert Winterbotham
... a penny, I'm not yet boun' for St Peter's blessing, though, old crump-face!" cried the learing impertinent, one thumb between his teeth, and the little finger thrust out in its most expressive form of derision ...
— Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 1 (of 2) • John Roby
... wide green bowl held in the hands of the clustered hills; shallow, circular, as though, while plastic still, the thumb of God had run round its rim, shaping it. Around it the peaks crowded, craning their lofty heads to ...
— The Metal Monster • A. Merritt


More quotes...


Copyright © 2025 e-Free Translation.com