PACHYDACTYLOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Pachydactylous is an adjective that is primarily used in zoology and biology to describe certain creatures or species that possess thick, robust, or unusually wide digits or toes. The term is derived from the combination of two words: "pachy" meaning thick or stout and "dactylous" meaning having digits or toes. The use of this term is often associated with reptiles, especially lizards and geckos.
When applied to reptiles, pachydactylous refers to those species that have particularly muscular, enlarged, or broadened digits or toe pads. These adaptations often serve specific purposes, such as enabling better grip, facilitating climbing or clinging to surfaces, or enhancing the ability to maneuver in difficult or rugged terrains. Pachydactylous organisms typically exhibit specially adapted scales, skin structures, or other features that support their functional advantage in these areas.
Additionally, pachydactylous can also describe certain anomalies or deformities in animal limbs or appendages, where the digits or toes appear thick or enlarged due to genetic mutation or development disorders. Such conditions may occur in various animal species, including birds, mammals, and amphibians.
In summary, pachydactylous describes creatures possessing thick or wide digits or toes, particularly in reptiles, as an adaptation for climbing, gripping, or maneuvering in their environment. It can also refer to abnormalities or deformities in animal limbs that result in unusually thick or enlarged digits or toes.
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Relating to or characterized by abnormal thickness of the fingers or toes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PACHYDACTYLOUS
- oachydactylous
- lachydactylous
- -achydactylous
- 0achydactylous
- pzchydactylous
- pschydactylous
- pwchydactylous
- pqchydactylous
- paxhydactylous
- pavhydactylous
- pafhydactylous
- padhydactylous
- pacgydactylous
- pacbydactylous
- pacnydactylous
- pacjydactylous
- pacuydactylous
- pacyydactylous
- pachtdactylous
- pachgdactylous
Etymology of PACHYDACTYLOUS
The word "pachydactylous" is derived from the Greek roots "pachys" (παχύς), meaning "thick" or "heavy", and "daktylos" (δάκτυλος), meaning "finger" or "toe". "Pachydactylous" is typically used in the context of zoology or herpetology to describe animals with thick or heavy digits, such as certain types of lizards.
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