ADACTYLE Meaning and
Definition
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Adactyle is an adjective that refers to an organism or living creature that lacks fingers or toes. The term is derived from the Greek words "a," meaning "without," and "daktulos," meaning "finger" or "toe." It is commonly used in zoology and anatomy to describe certain species that have evolved in such a way that their limbs do not possess digits.
In biology, adactyle often describes animals that have smooth, undifferentiated limbs, lacking the typical extremities seen in most species. This may be due to evolutionary adaptations for specific lifestyles or habitats. For example, certain reptiles and amphibians, such as snakes and legless lizards, are considered adactyle due to the absence of limbs. Additionally, some aquatic creatures, like seals and whales, have evolved flippers, which are considered adactyle appendages since they do not have individual digits.
The term adactyle can also be used metaphorically to describe objects or machines that lack finger-like or toe-like components. In this context, it often refers to highly streamlined or digitless machinery designed for efficient motion or operation without the need for manual manipulation.
Overall, adactyle is a descriptive adjective used in biology to indicate the absence of fingers or toes, be it in living organisms or inanimate objects.
