dactyl
|dac-tyl|
/ˈdæk.tɪl/
finger; long-short-short
Etymology
'dactyl' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'daktylos' (Ancient Greek δάκτυλος), where 'daktyl-' meant 'finger'.
'dactyl' passed into New Latin as 'dactylus' and then into English (via scholarly/technical use) as 'dactyl' in the modern period.
Initially, it meant 'finger'; over time the term was extended metaphorically in prosody to name a three-syllable foot (one long/stressed followed by two short/unstressed) and as an element in compound names (e.g., pterodactyl).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
in prosody, a metrical foot of three syllables: one stressed (or long) followed by two unstressed (or short) syllables (pattern: stressed-unstressed-unstressed).
Many classical hymns open with lines composed of dactyls.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a finger or digit (technical/biological use).
The paleontologist noted an unusually long dactyl on the specimen's forelimb.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a combining form (in words such as 'pterodactyl') meaning 'finger' or 'toe'.
The name 'pterodactyl' contains the element 'dactyl', referring to the creature's finger-like wing bones.
Last updated: 2025/08/19 17:12