polydactyl

[ pol-ee-dak-til ]

adjective

1. having many or several digits.
2. having more than the normal number of fingers or toes.

noun

1. a polydactyl animal.

polydactyl

/ ˌpɒlɪˈdæktɪl /

adjective

1. (of man and other vertebrates) having more than the normal number of digits

noun

1. a human or other vertebrate having more than the normal number of digits

Word History and Origins

Origin of polydactyl¹

From the Greek word polydáktylos, dating back to 1860–65. See poly-, -dactyl

Word History and Origins

Origin of polydactyl¹

C19: via French from Greek poludactulos many-toed; see dactyl

Example Sentences

Even in pure-bred polydactyl races, consequently, the character "extra-toe" does not uniformly appear in the offspring.

From Project Gutenberg

It is also clear that the offspring of Silkie crosses are more apt to be polydactyl than those of Houdan crosses.

From Project Gutenberg

Let us consider next what happens when a polydactyl individual is crossed with a normal individual.

From Project Gutenberg

This inquiry is suggested by Castle's study (1906, p. 20) of polydactyl guinea-pigs.

From Project Gutenberg