pentadactyl

[ pen-tuh-dak-tl, -til ]

adjective

1. having five digits on each hand or foot.
2. having five fingerlike projections or parts.

pentadactyl

/ ˌpɛntəˈdæktɪl /

adjective

1. (of the limbs of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) consisting of an upper arm or thigh, a forearm or shank, and a hand or foot bearing five digits

Other Words From

• penta·dactyl·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pentadactyl¹

1655–65; < Latin pentadactylus < Greek pentadáktylos. See penta-, -dactyl

Example Sentences

In the former the axis of the foot remained in the middle of the third digit, as in the pentadactyl foot.

From Project Gutenberg