forefingers
Primary pointing appendages
Forefingers are the fingers next to the thumbs—the index fingers.
The name comes from these being the fingers you point with, extending them fore (forward) while the others curl back.
She wagged her forefinger at the children.
Directing attention somewhere
- indicatingShowing or pointing to
- waggingRapid side-to-side movement
- beckoningGesturing for approach
- directingOverseeing a production
tapping · signaling · jabbing · prodding · accusatory · scolding · shushing · warning
Single-place numerals
- phalangesBones of fingers, toes
- knucklesFinger-to-hand joints
- jointsSkeletal connection points
- nailsMetal fasteners, finger coverings
cuticles · fingerprints · whorls · metacarpals · tendons · flexor · extensor
Requiring immediate attention
- pokingLight repeated jabbing
- tracingCopying by following lines
- feelingSensed inner state
- strokingRubbing softly, repeatedly
dabbing · rubbing · brushing · tapping · swiping · scrolling · typing · texting
Squeezing tightly between fingers
- graspingGreedy for wealth
- precision gripThumb-to-fingertip manipulation technique
- tweezersPincerlike gripping instrument
- holdingMaintaining physical possession
manipulating · picking up · dexterity · opposable · chopsticks · pen grip · writing · delicate
Ritual hand gesture
- blessingPrayer seeking divine favor
- benedictionFormal spoken blessing
- hennaPlant-derived body dye
- mehndiOrnamental paste skin designs
oath taking · handshake · salute · namaste · pinky promise · shadow puppets
pointing
Directing attention somewhere
- indicatingShowing or pointing to
- waggingRapid side-to-side movement
- beckoningGesturing for approach
directing · tapping · signaling · jabbing · prodding · accusatory · scolding · shushing · warning · counting
digits
Single-place numerals
nails · cuticles · fingerprints · whorls · metacarpals · tendons · flexor · extensor
pressing
Requiring immediate attention
stroking · dabbing · rubbing · brushing · tapping · swiping · scrolling · typing · texting · touchscreen
pinching
Squeezing tightly between fingers
- graspingGreedy for wealth
- precision gripThumb-to-fingertip manipulation technique
- tweezersPincerlike gripping instrument
holding · manipulating · picking up · dexterity · opposable · chopsticks · pen grip · writing · delicate · nimble
mudra
Ritual hand gesture
- blessingPrayer seeking divine favor
- benedictionFormal spoken blessing
- hennaPlant-derived body dye
mehndi · oath taking · handshake · salute · namaste · pinky promise · shadow puppets
forefingerspinkies
Fifth fingers on hands
little fingers · pinky fingers · thumbs · ring fingers · middle fingers