zygodactyl
|zy-go-dac-tyl|
/ˌzaɪɡəˈdæk.tɪl/
paired toes (two forward, two back)
Etymology
'zygodactyl' originates from New Latin/Modern scientific formation based on Greek, specifically from Greek 'zygon' meaning 'yoke' and 'daktulos' (δάκτυλος) meaning 'finger' or 'toe'.
'zygodactyl' was formed in New Latin/Scientific Latin as 'zygodactylus' (or from combining Greek elements) and entered English as a technical term in ornithology to describe a 'yoked' toe arrangement.
Initially formed to describe the literal sense 'yoked toes'; over time it remained a technical anatomical term for the specific toe arrangement (two toes forward, two back) in certain birds.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the arrangement or condition of having zygodactyl feet (i.e., toes in opposing pairs); also used to refer to an individual bird that has this toe arrangement.
Many parrots are zygodactyl, an adaptation that aids climbing and grasping.
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Adjective 1
having the toes arranged in two opposing pairs (typically two toes facing forward and two backward); used of birds such as parrots and woodpeckers.
The zygodactyl foot structure helps parrots grip branches firmly.
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Last updated: 2025/09/17 04:55