finger
UK: ˈfɪŋɡə | US: ˈfɪŋɡər
n. one of the five slender parts extending from the hand, used for grasping or touching
n. something resembling a finger in shape or function (e.g., a finger of land)
vt. to touch or handle with the fingers
vt. (informal) to identify or accuse someone (e.g., "He was fingered as the thief.")
The word "finger" traces back to Old English finger, derived from Proto-Germanic fingraz, likely linked to the Proto-Indo-European root penkʷe (meaning "five"). The connection reflects fingers as the five primary digits of the hand. Over time, the term retained its core meaning while expanding metaphorically (e.g., "finger of blame") and functionally (e.g., "to finger" as a verb). The morpheme fing- suggests a primal association with grasping or touching, reinforced by the suffix -er denoting a functional part.
She wore a ring on her index finger.
The child pointed a sticky finger at the painting.
The recipe calls for dipping the cookies finger by finger.
The spy was fingered by an informant.
A narrow finger of fog crept across the valley.