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

She was also polydactyl, with an extra toe on each paw, and had an underdeveloped jaw and no teeth which caused her tongue to always hang out.

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The investigation of polydactyl hands and the brains that control them is a test case for the advantages of researching the unusual.

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When Jacinda Ardern became New Zealand’s new prime minister last month she also brought with her a polydactyl cat, named Paddles.

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The cat was well-known for its polydactyl abnormality - she had extra claws that looked like thumbs.

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"I, for one, welcome our polydactyl feline overlords," said another in response to Paddle's introductory tweet.

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