dactylus

[ dak-tuh-luhs ]

noun

, plural dac·ty·li [dak, -t, uh, -lahy, -lee].

1. an enlarged portion of the leg after the first joint in some insects, as the pollen-carrying segment in the hind leg of certain bees.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dactylus¹

New Latin < Greek; dactyl

Example Sentences

For the same reason the name Pholas Dactylus has been given by Naturalists to the species which we represent, fig. 66.

From Project Gutenberg

The common name for Pholas Dactylus in the market, given to it on account of its cylindrical shape.

From Project Gutenberg

It has the shape of a date, or of a finger; whence its name of Dactylus, which in Greek signifies a finger.

From Project Gutenberg

There is the Pholas Dactylus, which resembles a small, animated sausage with a pudding head.

From Project Gutenberg

Pholas dactylus having hollowed out a shelter in a block of gneiss.

From Project Gutenberg