anisodactylous
|an-is-o-dac-ty-lous|
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/ˌænɪsoʊˈdæktɪləs/
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/ˌænɪsəˈdæktɪləs/
unequal-toed (front 3, back 1)
Etymology
'anisodactylous' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'anisos' meaning 'unequal' and 'dactylos' meaning 'finger, toe', with the English adjectival suffix '-ous'.
'anisodactylous' was formed via New Latin/modern scientific coinage from Greek roots (Greek 'anisos' + 'dactylos'), passing into New Latin as 'anisodactylus' or similar formations and then adopted into English morphological use as 'anisodactylous'.
Originally constructed to mean 'having unequal digits' (literally), it came to be used specifically in ornithology to describe the common toe arrangement of perching birds (three toes forward, one back).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the condition or state of being anisodactylous; anisodactyly (the toe arrangement itself).
Anisodactyly is common among perching birds and is referred to as anisodactylous condition in anatomical descriptions.
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Adjective 1
having the toes arranged with three pointing forward and one pointing backward (the typical arrangement of perching birds).
Many passerine species are anisodactylous, which helps them grip branches securely.
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Last updated: 2025/08/13 06:21