hallux
noun

- the first or innermost digit of the foot of humans and other primates or of the hind foot of other mammals

- the comparable, usually backward-directed digit in birds

Dictionary(dot)com

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WORD ORIGIN

The word “hallux” is derived from the Latin allus, meaning “great toe”, which is in turn derived from the Greek word "ἅλλομαι" (hállōmai), meaning “to spring or leap”, evidently referring to the big toe in action.

In Latin, hallux originally just meant "thumb", as the thumb and big toe were considered analogous principal digits. Over time, the meaning became specified to the big toe, giving rise to the anatomical term "hallux" in medical terminology.

By the late 16th century, "hallux" had entered English specifically referring to the big toe.

Other English derivatives include "hallucal" (pertaining to the big toe) and "hallucination" (from the Latin hallucinari meaning to wander in mind, perhaps related to the "wandering" big toe).

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APROPOS BIG TOE

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was once asked how he maintained his composure despite the difficulties that plagued his presidency, including the Great Depression and World War II. Roosevelt, who had nearly died after contracting polio as a young man, replied: "If you spent two years in bed trying to wiggle your big toe, after that everything would seem easy." (Roosevelt frequently refused to use wheelchairs and other aids in public, particularly while delivering speeches, and grew adept at disguising trouble with his health.)

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BIG TOE FACTS

Here are 8 fascinating facts about the hallux:

1. The Strongest Toe - the Hallux (also known as the big toe) plays a crucial role in balance, stability, and propulsion. It contains two phalanges (bones) compared to the three in the other toes, providing a stable and powerful base for pushing off the ground.

2. Opposable in Early Humans — millions of years ago, our ancestors had opposable big toes, similar to a thumb, allowing them to grasp branches and climb trees. Over time, with less reliance on arboreal movement, this ability lessened.

3. Ancient Egyptian Foot Care — the ancient Egyptians paid particular attention to foot care, with treatments specifically for the big toe, including soaking, massage, and ointments.

4. Roman Caligae — Roman soldiers wore caligaes, sandals that offered protection and support, often featuring a separate section for the big toe for better stability.

5. Morton's Toe — around 20-30% of the population has Morton's toe, a condition where the second toe is longer than the big toe. This can increase the risk of bunions (Ballenzehen), hammertoes (Hammerzehen), and even back problems.

6. Big Toe Replacement — the big toe can be surgically transplanted to replace a lost thumb, due to its similar size and functionality.

7. The "Thoe" — the big toe is sometimes called a "thoe" once it's attached to the hand after such a transplant.

8. Shock Absorber — despite its strength, the big toe also has a cushioning effect. It absorbs some of the impact during activities like walking, reducing stress on the knees and ankles.

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SYNONYMS

big toe, finger of the foot, flipper (informal, for wide toes), great toe, HALLUX, piggies/pinkies (informal for toes), pinkie toe (informal, for the smallest toe), talon (metaphor for birds of prey), toe(s), twinkle toes (playful), wigglers (informal)

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation, say something like:

“For its crucial role in walking, running, and jumping, we should give the HALLUX much more credit.”

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