Definitions
Sorry, no definitions found. Check out and contribute to the discussion of this word!
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
Support
Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word hand of benediction.
Examples
Sorry, no example sentences found.
deinonychus commented on the word hand of benediction
From Wikipedia:
The hand of benediction results from a severed median nerve at the level of the elbow or upper arm. The ability to flex the digits 2–3 at the metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints and distal interphalangeal joints is lost. This is due to the loss of innervation of the lateral 2 lumbricals of the hand which are supplied by the median nerve. Flexion at the proximal interphalangeal joints of digits 4–5 is weakened, but flexion at the metocarpophalangeal joints and distal interphalangeal joints remains intact. The extensors are left unopposed and digits 2–3 remain extended while attempting to make a fist.
The name arises from the invocation of a blessing used in Christian circles (see benediction).
February 4, 2012