finger

I. 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 2. a. something that resembles a finger <

a narrow finger of land

> b. a part of a glove into which a finger is inserted c. a projecting piece (as a pawl for a ratchet) brought into contact with an object to affect its motion 3. the breadth of a finger 4. interest, share — often used in the phrase have a finger in the pie 5. bird 10 — usually used with the • fingerlike adjective II. verb (fingered; fingering) Date: 15th century transitive verb 1. to touch or feel with the fingers 2. a. to play (a musical instrument) with the fingers b. to play (as notes or chords) with a specific fingering c. to mark the notes of (a music score) as a guide in playing 3. to point out ; identify 4. to extend into or penetrate in the shape of a finger intransitive verb 1. to touch or handle something 2. a. to use the fingers in playing a musical instrument b. to have a certain fingering — used of a musical instrument 3. to extend in the shape or manner of a finger