opposability









opposability


adjective

  1. capable of being placed opposite to something else: the opposable thumb of primates.
  2. capable of being resisted, fought, or opposed.

adjective

  1. capable of being opposed
  2. Also: apposable (of the thumb of primates, esp man) capable of being moved into a position facing the other digits so as to be able to touch the ends of each
  3. capable of being placed opposite something else

adj.1660s, “capable of being withstood,” from oppose + -able. In reference to human thumbs, from 1833. Related: Opposability.

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