apposable

9.5

Can touch another part when put opposite, like a thumb

adjective
/əˈpōzəbl/

Specialized

: oponible

Unlike most mammals, humans have an apposable thumb that enables precise gripping.

Examples

In some primates, the big toe is apposable and aids in climbing.
The thumb is apposable in humans.
Researchers discussed whether the new fossil's digit was truly apposable or merely flexible.
Are your fingers apposable enough for this task?
Unlike most mammals, humans have an apposable thumb that enables precise gripping.
In some primates, the big toe is apposable and aids in climbing.
Researchers discussed whether the new fossil's digit was truly apposable or merely flexible.

Synonyms

opposable

vsapposable

Specialized

12 7.1

Able to move a thumb so it can touch the fingers and help hold things

is broader, meaning any part or object can be positioned opposite to interact

How Close

apposable

Specialized

9.5

opposite

7 1.0

adjacent

100 3.8

near

240 1.0

separate

829 2.1

Surface Forms

apposable positive

Morphology

apposable = appose (transparent) = appose + able

Formed by adding the productive adjectival suffix '-able' to the verb 'appose', so the meaning 'capable of being apposed' is directly predictable.

Etymology

Apposable comes from appose, which means 'to put next to', and is related to the word pose, meaning 'to place'. So something apposable can be put opposite or next to another part so they touch or work together.