n., pl., hal·lu·ces (hăl'yə-sēz', hăl'ə-).
- The innermost or first digit on the hind foot of certain mammals. The human hallux is commonly called the big toe.
- A homologous digit of a bird, reptile, or amphibian. In birds, it is often directed backward.
[Medieval Latin hallux, blend of Latin allus, hallus, thumb, and Latin hallex, big toe.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
