I. ˈtō noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English ta, to, too, from Old English tā; akin to Old High German zēha toe, Old Norse tā toe, Latin digitus finger, and probably to Greek deiknynai to show — more at diction
1.
a.
(1) : one of the terminal digits of a vertebrate's foot — distinguished from finger
(2) : the fore end of a foot or hoof — opposed to heel
b.
(1) : a terminal segment of a limb of an invertebrate
(2) : either of the two processes in which the hinder part of the body of a rotifer usually ends
c. : a part of something worn on or attached to a foot that covers or corresponds to its fore end
the toe of a boot
the toe of a horseshoe
2. : a part that by its position, form or outline, or relation to other parts is felt to resemble a toe
the toe of Italy
as
a.
(1) : a prong or stub (as on a vinifera grape) from which vegetative growth arises
(2) : one of the expanded extensions of a tree trunk where a root passes into the ground
(3) : a single tuberous root of a dahlia
b.
(1) : a journal or pivot supported in a step bearing
(2) : a lateral projection at one end or between the ends of a piece (as a rod or bolt) by which it is moved ; often : a projecting arm actuated by a cam on the valve-lifting rod in the beam type of steam engine
(3) : a projection from the periphery of a revolving piece acting as a cam to lift another piece
c.
(1) : the extreme bottom point of a seed trench prepared by a furrow opener (as of a grain drill)
(2) : the lowest part of the slope of an earth embankment or a cliff
(3) : the line of contact between the lower or downstream face and the base of a dam
(4) : the bottom of a mine or quarry bench
(5) : the lower edge of a mine dump
(6) : the bottom of a drill hole for blasting
d. : a metal tip at the lower end of the foot of some wooden organ pipes ; also : the lower end of a metal pipe foot or reed boot
e. : a board or other part of a structure occupying a low and forward position
f.
(1) : the peen of a hammer
(2) : the outer end of the hitting surface of a golf club or hockey stick — see golf illustration
g. : the corner of the butt of a gunstock that is lowermost when the gun is in firing position
h. : the front end of a railroad frog opposite the heel
3. : toe dance
4. : a football player used solely or primarily for kicking
•
- on one's toes
- toes up
II. verb
( toed ; toed ; toeing ; toes )
transitive verb
1. : to furnish with a toe ; especially : to form the toe of (a knitted sock or stocking) by decreasing stitches — usually used with off
2. : to touch, reach, move, or crush with the forepart of the foot
toed a chair into position
toe your cigarette out
simple homes toeing the sidewalk — P.J.Celliers
toe a football
3. : to drive (as a nail, spike, or rod) slantingly or aslant ; also : to clinch or fasten by or with nails or rods so driven
toed a brace between wall and floor
intransitive verb
: to move the toes or move on the toes: as
a. : to move stealthily : tiptoe
toeing cautiously forward
b. : to stand, walk, or be placed so that the toes assume an indicated position or direction
toe in
toe along a straight line
c. : to tap with the toe in heel-and-toe dancing
•
- toe the line
- toe the mark