Vuisten

Vuisten are the plural form of the Dutch noun vuist, meaning a closed hand formed by curling the fingers into the palm and placing the thumb over the fingers. The term is used to describe the clenched hand in everyday language as well as in technical descriptions of hand function. A fist is formed by flexor muscle contraction in the forearm, with the thumb crossing over the fingers to secure the grip; the joints at the base of the fingers (metacarpophalangeal joints) and the finger joints (interphalangeal joints) bear force during impact.

Etymology: The Dutch vuist is cognate with English fist and German Faust, rooted in the Proto-Germanic family of languages. The word appears in Dutch as vuist and in phrases such as vuistregel (literally "rule of the fist" or "rule of thumb"), where the fist is used metaphorically to designate a practical guideline.

Uses and symbolism: Fists are employed in manual tasks requiring a secure grip, in self-defense or boxing, and as a gesture conveying determination or aggression. The raised fist is a common symbol of solidarity and resistance in political activism, and in social life a fist bump is a casual greeting or sign of agreement.

Health and injuries: Repeated punching or poor technique can injure the hand, most notably fractures of the fifth metacarpal (boxer's fracture) and various soft-tissue strains. Proper technique, conditioning, and protection reduce risk.