DACTYLUS Meaning and
Definition
-
Dactylus is a noun that refers to a term used in zoology to describe a segment, appendage, or structure that is equipped with a series of digits or fingers that can grasp or manipulate objects. The word dactylus is derived from the Greek word "daktylos," which translates to "finger or toe."
In the animal kingdom, dactylus primarily pertains to the limbs or extremities of certain creatures. It typically characterizes the limbs of arthropods, such as crustaceans and insects, which have a series of distinct articulated segments facilitating movement and manipulation. For instance, the limbs of a crab or a lobster consist of dactyli that possess sharp, pincer-like claws for gripping prey or self-defense.
The term can also encompass the digit-like structures found in the legs or feet of certain birds, such as the three forward-pointing toes of perching birds or songbirds, commonly referred to as passerine birds. This characteristic foot adaptation enables these birds to grip branches firmly while perched.
Dactylus is a valuable term in the field of zoology as it aids in the precise description and classification of diverse creatures based on the structure and function of their limbs. By understanding the intricate details of dactyli, scientists can gain insights into an animal's evolutionary adaptations, behavior, and ecological interactions.
-
A finger or a toe; specifically a toe, as distinguished from digitus, a finger.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DACTYLUS
- dactyls
- sactylus
- xactylus
- cactylus
- factylus
- ractylus
- eactylus
- dzctylus
- dsctylus
- dwctylus
- dqctylus
- daxtylus
- davtylus
- daftylus
- dadtylus
- dacrylus
- dacfylus
- dacgylus
- dacyylus
- dac6ylus
Etymology of DACTYLUS
The word "dactylus" has its origins in Ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word "dáktylos" (δάκτυλος), which means "finger" or "toe". In Greek, "dáktylos" also referred to the poetic foot known as a "dactyl" (δάκτυλος), which consists of one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables. The term "dactylus" was adopted into Latin with the same meaning, representing both the anatomical finger/toe and the poetic foot.
Similar spelling words for DACTYLUS
- dactyls,
- dactylous,
- ductless,
- toccatellas,
- tactless,
- ticketless,
- ducktails,
- teakettles,
- dicotyls,
- ducktales,
- techtools,
- Dactylios,
- ductules,
- ductulus,
- dactylis,
- Aschisto-Dactylus,
- Dactylius,
- dykedolls,
- Dicotyles.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
