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polydactyl

American  
[pol-ee-dak-til] / ˌpɒl iˈdæk tɪl /

adjective

  1. having many or several digits.

  2. having more than the normal number of fingers or toes.


noun

  1. a polydactyl animal.

polydactyl British  
/ ˌpɒlɪˈdæktɪl /

adjective

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of polydactyl

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


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

"Keeping in mind Paddles has thumbs, I can't put it past her it's her own account as well," she joked, adding "she's a polydactyl".

From BBC ● Oct. 26, 2017

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

From BBC ● Oct. 26, 2017

Although they are commonly known as six-toed cats, not every one of the Hemingway felines has six toes, but the museum says all carry the polydactyl gene.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 11, 2017

Lil’ Bub was born with several genetic mutations; she has no teeth, her tongue permanently hangs out, and she is also polydactyl.

From The Guardian ● Sep. 11, 2014

Polydactyl, pol-i-dak′til, adj. having many digits.—n. a polydactyl animal.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

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