pamprodactyl
|pam-pro-dac-tyl|
/ˌpæmprəˈdæktɪl/
all toes forward
Etymology
'pamprodactyl' originates from Greek roots, specifically 'pampro-' (from Greek elements meaning 'all' or 'entire') and 'daktulos' ('δάκτυλος') meaning 'finger' or 'toe'.
'pamprodactyl' was formed in Neo-Latin/modern scientific usage in the 19th century from these Greek roots and entered English zoological and anatomical descriptions to denote birds with toes all pointing forward.
Initially it meant 'having all toes directed forward' in technical zoological contexts, and it has retained this specialized meaning in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a bird (or individual) that has all toes directed forward; a pamprodactyl bird.
The palm swift is a pamprodactyl, its toes all pointing forward to help it cling to vertical surfaces.
Adjective 1
having all toes directed forward (used of certain birds' foot arrangement).
These swifts are pamprodactyl, which allows them to perch differently from zygodactyl species.
Last updated: 2025/09/17 05:10