anisodactyly
|a-ni-so-dac-til-y|
/ˌænɪsəˈdæktɪli/
unequal toe arrangement (3 front, 1 back)
Etymology
'anisodactyly' originates from Greek (via New Latin), specifically the elements 'anisos' and 'daktylos', where 'anisos' meant 'unequal' and 'daktylos' meant 'finger, toe'.
'anisodactyly' was formed in New Latin as a compound from Greek elements (e.g. 'anisodactylia') and entered modern English as 'anisodactyly'.
Initially it referred to an 'unequal toe/finger arrangement', and this specific anatomical meaning has been retained in current usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a toe arrangement in birds in which three toes point forward and one points backward (typical of perching birds).
Most passerine birds show anisodactyly, which helps them grasp branches securely.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/17 04:40