The Ultimate Question

[a-4-year-old]

Also, please don't tell me because it's on your hand or because it has hair on it.

Is that really a reason?  Just because it's part of the hand and can move?  I mean, it's different from the fingers and all.

Really?

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/finger

How are we even discussing this?

[Thinkto urself]

http://letmegooglethatforyou.com/?q=Is+the+thumb+a+finger%3F

[~Niko~]

The thumb is a finger because it does almost the same functions that other fingers do. if it wouldn't be the way it is, you would have troubles when catching things.

[Mangled*]

A thumb is not a finger because it does not have the same function or purpose.

The thumb can move completely independantly of all the other digits, it is used to grip around the opposite side of objects so that a tighter and more secure grip can be achieved. It has a much larger radius of movement than fingers and is also much stronger than an individual finger.

A good comparison to make is the carpal pad of a cat/dog paw in relation to their digital pads. The carpal pad is located behind the paw and helps cushion and support the leg whilst walking.

If you can't fathom that then consider your hand as a human foot. The thumb is not the big toe... the thumb is the heel and your fingers are the toes.

[Snake]

if it wouldn't be the way it is, you would have troubles when catching things.

you would have trouble doing A LOT of things...a thumb is right next to essential

[a-4-year-old]

A thumb is not a finger because it does not have the same function or purpose.

Completely irrelevant.

[The Geologist]

Completely relevant.  The thumb is different from the fingers.  Hell, even your link states the definition of finger doesn't apply to the thumb. 

[a-4-year-old]

Completely relevant.  The thumb is different from the fingers.  Hell, even your link states the definition of finger doesn't apply to the thumb. 

no it doesn't, you read it wrong.

[The Geologist]

fin⋅ger
   /ˈfɪŋgər/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [fing-ger] Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1.    any of the terminal members of the hand, esp. one other than the thumb.

Hmm.  Interesting.

[a-4-year-old]

emphasis on the other 4 isn't excluding the 5th. You read it wrong.

[The Geologist]

emphasis on the other 4 isn't excluding the 5th. You read it wrong.

Ah, no.  I didn't.  The emphasis is on the other four because those are actually fingers.  That's the whole point of the "esp. one other than the thumb". 

[Eagles_Arrows]

thumb
–noun
1.    the short, thick, inner digit of the human hand, next to the forefinger.

digit
–noun
1.    a finger or toe.

Whatever.

[PANZERCATWAGON]

all of your arguments are invalid because we are all actually living in the matrix

[The Geologist]

thumb
–noun
1.    the short, thick, inner digit of the human hand, next to the forefinger.

digit
–noun
1.    a finger or toe.

Whatever.

That would be good if we were arguing over the thumb being a digit or not.

And, just so you know, there is no spoon.  But if there was, you'd thank your thumb you could grab it.

[Eagles_Arrows]

thumb
–noun
1.    the short, thick, inner digit of the human hand, next to the forefinger.

digit
–noun
1.    a finger or toe.

Whatever.

That would be good if we were arguing over the thumb being a digit or not.

Read my second definition?

[The Geologist]

Yea yea, I read both of 'em.  Where did they come from, by the way?  I ask because that definition sets up a little logical problem.  If fingers are digits, and the thumb is a digit, must the thumb be a finger?

This whole argument boils down to a few basic differences, and a lot of semantics.  In a sense I'm playing devils advocate, but not without due reason.  Much like Mangled. 

[Eagles_Arrows]

They're from Dictionary.com, and Merriam-Webster and Oxford Online say the same thing.

[The Geologist]

They're from Dictionary.com, and Merriam-Webster and Oxford Online say the same thing.

Oh?

From Merriam-Webster:


Main Entry:
    dig·it Listen to the pronunciation of digit
Pronunciation:
    \ˈdi-jət\
Function:
    noun
Etymology:
    Middle English, from Latin digitus finger, toe; perhaps akin to Greek deiknynai to show — more at diction
Date:
    14th century

3: any of the divisions in which the limbs of most vertebrates terminate, which are typically five in number but may be reduced (as in the horse), and which typically have a series of phalanges bearing a nail, claw, or hoof at the tip — compare finger  1  , toe  1a

Let's compare finger, shall we?

Also from Merriam-Webster, from the link in the definition of digit:


Main Entry:
    1fin·ger Listen to the pronunciation of 1finger
Pronunciation:
    \ˈfiŋ-gər\
Function:
    noun
Etymology:
    Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German fingar finger
Date:
    before 12th century

1: any of the five terminating members of the hand : a digit of the forelimb ; especially : one other than the thumb

There it is again.  I must be reading it wrong though.

[a-4-year-old]

Have you gone daft?

[The Geologist]

Not really, just a bit bored and waiting for a good reason why the thumb is a finger.