Index finger

Index finger

Infobox Anatomy
Name = Index finger
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Caption = Human hand with index finger extended


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Artery = radial artery of index finger
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DorlandsPre = i_06
DorlandsSuf = 12448665
Template:FingersThe second digit of a human hand is also referred to as the index finger, pointer finger, forefinger, trigger finger, digitus secundus, or digitus II.

It is located between the first and third digits - that is, between the thumb and the middle finger. It is usually the most dextrous and sensitive finger of the hand, though not the longest. A lone index finger often is used to represent the number 1, or when held up or moved side to side (finger-wagging), it can be an admonitory gesture. With the hand held palm out and the thumb and middle fingers touching, it represents the letter "d" in the American Sign Language alphabet. In sports, it can also represent victory, as some championship-winning teams raise their index finger (often saying "We're number one!") while posing for a championship team photo.

Studies have also found that a smaller index finger compared with the ring finger indicates a better athlete. [ [http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20490243-13762,00.html News.com.au report] ] Men are 2.5 times more likely than women to have an index finger which is shorter than their ring finger, and such ratios correlate with an increased likelihood of osteoarthritis, especially for women with such ratios. [Arthritis & Rheumatism. news release, Jan. 2, 2008]

Gestures

As mentioned above, the forefinger can be used for pointing. However, this gesture is considered rude in some countries (Ukraine, Russia and Chile for instance), in the former two pointing with the whole hand is considered polite.

During the Bosnian war, Serbo-Bosnian troops raised three fingers in a sign of victory, Bosnian Croats raised the two-finger V-sign and Muslims (Bosniaks) raised one (after the strict monotheism of Islam).

ee also

* Extensor indicis proprius
* Index (typography)
* Digit ratio


=Additional



References

External links

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Index finger — Index In dex, n.; pl. E. {Indexes}, L. {Indices}(?). [L.: cf. F. index. See {Indicate}, {Diction}.] [1913 Webster] 1. That which points out; that which shows, indicates, manifests, or discloses; as, the increasing unemployment rate is an index of …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • index finger — Index In dex, n.; pl. E. {Indexes}, L. {Indices}(?). [L.: cf. F. index. See {Indicate}, {Diction}.] [1913 Webster] 1. That which points out; that which shows, indicates, manifests, or discloses; as, the increasing unemployment rate is an index of …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • index finger — n the finger next to the thumb called also forefinger * * * index (def. 1) …   Medical dictionary

  • index finger — index fingers N COUNT Your index finger is the finger that is next to your thumb. Syn: forefinger …   English dictionary

  • index finger — index .finger n the finger next to your thumb = ↑forefinger …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • index finger — index ,finger noun count the finger next to your thumb …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • index finger — n. the finger next to the thumb; forefinger …   English World dictionary

  • index finger — ► NOUN ▪ the forefinger …   English terms dictionary

  • index finger — noun the finger next to the thumb (Freq. 4) • Syn: ↑index, ↑forefinger • Hypernyms: ↑finger * * * noun, pl ⋯ gers [count] : the finger next to the thumb : ↑forefinger * * * ˈindex finger …   Useful english dictionary

  • index finger — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms index finger : singular index finger plural index fingers the finger next to your thumb …   English dictionary

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