fingertip
UK[ˈfɪŋɡətɪp]US[ˈfɪŋɡərtɪp]
n
the end of a finger, especially the part where the nail is.
Morpheme Breakdown
finger
tip
finger
point, end, extremity
tip
point, end, extremity
Etymology
the word 'fingertip' is a transparent english compound, formed by combining two old english elements. 'finger' derives from proto-germanic fingraz, a word of uncertain ultimate origin, while 'tip' comes from old english typpa, related to 'top', denoting the extreme point of something. the compound logically and literally describes the very end of the finger. this straightforward descriptive construction has remained semantically stable, with its modern meaning directly reflecting the sum of its parts, focusing on the precise anatomical location.
Analysis
Structure: finger + tip
finger (old english, meaning 'finger', the digit of the hand) + tip (old english, meaning 'point, end, extremity')
Examples
she felt a sharp pain at her fingertip.
he had the information at his fingertips.
the artist painted the fine details using only her fingertips.