-dactyly

American  

1. a combination of -dactyl and -y, used to form nouns to stems in -dactyl:

   hyperdactyly.

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Usage

What does -dactyly mean? The combining form -dactyly is used like a suffix with two related meanings. Depending on the context, it can mean "the condition of being fingered, possessing fingers" or "the condition of toed, possessing toes." Essentially, -dactyly means "the condition of having digits." It is often used in scientific terms, especially in anatomy and zoology. The form -dactyly comes from Greek dáktylos, meaning “finger” or “toe.” This is combined with the suffix -y, from Greek -ia, which has various uses, including in the formation of abstract nouns. In poetry, the metrical foot known as a dactyl also derives from this same Greek root. Learn more at our entry for dactyl. What are variants of -dactyly?The form -dactyly does not have any variants, but it is related to the forms -dactylous, as in tetradactylous, and -dactyl, as in tridactyl. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article for these combining forms.

Etymology

Origin of -dactyly

< New Latin -dactylia. See -dactyl, -y ³

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