dactylology

American  

[dak-tuh-lol-uh-jee] / ˌdæk təˈlɒl ə dʒi /

noun

• dactylologies
  plural

1. the technique of communicating by signs made with the fingers, especially in the manual alphabets used by the Deaf.

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dactylology British  

/ ˌdæktɪˈlɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the method of using manual sign language, as in communicating with deaf people

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• dactylologies
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of dactylology

First recorded in 1650–60; dactylo- + -logy

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dactylology

So long as this is true, dactylology can hardly claim to be more than one of the elements of a system of instruction for the deaf.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 531, March 6, 1886 by Various

It is certain, however, that he made no use of the sign-language, though there is some evidence that he invented and practised a system of syllabic dactylology.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 01, No. 06, April, 1858 by Various

Signs, dactylology, speech reading, and the written and printed word are all dependent upon the eye for their value as educational instruments.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 531, March 6, 1886 by Various

What advantage is there, not found in the prevailing methods of communication with the deaf, i.e., by gestures, dactylology, speech and speech-reading, and writing?

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 531, March 6, 1886 by Various

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Related Words

• finger alphabet
• fingerspelling

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