Pronunciation: [ɐdˈakta͡ɪl] (IPA) 
The word "Adactyl" is spelled with the letters A-D-A-C-T-Y-L. Its phonetic transcription is /əˈdæktəl/. The first syllable, "a", is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by the syllable "dac" pronounced with a short "a" sound. The final syllable "tyl" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, and the "c" is pronounced as "k". "Adactyl" is an uncommon word that refers to an animal or creature that has no fingers or toes.
Adactyl is a term commonly used in biology, specifically in the field of zoology, to describe organisms or species that lack visible or fully developed digits, or fingers and toes, on their limbs. The word "adactyl" is derived from the combination of the prefix "a-" meaning "without" and "dactyl" referring to digits.
This term is often utilized to classify or describe various organisms that have evolved or adapted to different lifestyles and environments. Adactyl species can be found among different taxonomic groups, including reptiles, birds, and mammals. For example, some snakes and legless lizards are considered adactyl as they lack visible limbs or have significantly reduced limb structures. Similarly, certain bird species, such as the kiwi, possess vestigial or non-functional wings, making them adactyl as well.
Adactyl characteristics can also be observed in certain mammals, like the cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), which originated from land-dwelling ancestors and have gradually lost their hind limbs through evolution. Additionally, some species of bats have modified their fingers to form wings, resulting in an adactyl trait.
Overall, the term adactyl is used to describe organisms that have adapted to their specific environments and lifestyles by either losing or significantly reducing their digits. Understanding adactyl species contributes to our knowledge of evolution, adaptation, and the immense diversity found in the animal kingdom.
In zool., a foot or locomotive extremity without toes.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
