DACTYLOSYMPHYSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Dactylosymphysis is a term used to describe a phenomenon often observed in the animal kingdom, particularly among certain species of invertebrates such as crustaceans and insects. The term combines the Greek words "dactylo" (meaning finger or toe) and "symphysis" (meaning fusion or joining together).
In biological terms, dactylosymphysis refers to the fusion or fusion-like joining together of certain appendages or limbs, specifically the fingers or toes of an organism. This fusion can occur either partially or completely, resulting in the formation of a single, collective structure instead of individual digits.
Organisms that exhibit dactylosymphysis often possess specialized adaptations that allow them to use their newly formed structure in a unique way. For instance, in certain species of crustaceans, such as crabs or lobsters, the fused fingers or toes, often called chelipeds, form powerful claws that are used for defense, capturing prey, or manipulating their environment.
Dactylosymphysis is an intriguing example of evolutionary adaptation, where the fusion of digits has provided certain species with distinct advantages in their ecological niche. However, it is important to note that dactylosymphysis is not exclusive to animals but has also been observed in particular plant species, where fusion of leaves or petioles can occur.
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Webbing of the fingers; adhesion, congenital or acquired, of two or more fingers; dactylion, syndactyly.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DACTYLOSYMPHYSIS
- sactylosymphysis
- xactylosymphysis
- cactylosymphysis
- factylosymphysis
- ractylosymphysis
- eactylosymphysis
- dzctylosymphysis
- dsctylosymphysis
- dwctylosymphysis
- dqctylosymphysis
- daxtylosymphysis
- davtylosymphysis
- daftylosymphysis
- dadtylosymphysis
- dacrylosymphysis
- dacfylosymphysis
- dacgylosymphysis
- dacyylosymphysis
- dac6ylosymphysis
- dac5ylosymphysis
Etymology of DACTYLOSYMPHYSIS
The word "dactylosymphysis" is a compound word that combines two roots: "dactylo-" and "symphysis".
1. "Dactylo-" comes from the Greek word "daktulos", which means "finger" or "toe". It is commonly used as a prefix in medical terminology to refer to fingers, toes, or digits.
2. "Symphysis" comes from the Greek word "sumphysis", which means "growing together" or "a growing into one". In medical terms, "symphysis" is often used to refer to a type of joint where adjacent bones or other skeletal elements are connected, allowing some limited movement.
Therefore, the word "dactylosymphysis" refers to the symphysis or joining together of fingers or toes.
