opposable

[ uh-poh-zuh-buh l ]
/ əˈpoʊ zə bəl /

adjective

capable of being placed opposite to something else: the opposable thumb of primates.
capable of being resisted, fought, or opposed.

Origin of opposable

First recorded in 1660–70; oppose + -able

OTHER WORDS FROM opposable

op·pos·a·bil·i·ty, noun non·op·pos·a·ble, adjective un·op·pos·a·ble, adjective

Words nearby opposable

opportunistic, opportunistic infection, opportunity, opportunity cost, opportunity shop, opposable, opposable thumb, oppose, opposed-cylinder, opposed-piston engine, opposeless

Example sentences from the Web for opposable

British Dictionary definitions for opposable

opposable
/ (əˈpəʊzəbəl) /

adjective

capable of being opposed
Also: apposable (of the thumb of primates, esp man) capable of being moved into a position facing the other digits so as to be able to touch the ends of each
capable of being placed opposite something else

Derived forms of opposable

opposably, adverb opposability, noun