DIGITIGRADE Meaning and
Definition
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Digitigrade is an adjective used to describe the locomotion of certain animals that walk on their toes, with their heel elevated off the ground. Derived from Latin roots, "digitus" meaning "finger" or "toe" and "gradus" meaning "to walk," digitigrade literally translates to "to walk on toes." This term is commonly used in zoology and anatomy to characterize the skeletal structure and gait of various mammals, particularly carnivores and ungulates.
Animals classified as digitigrade have elongated metatarsal or metacarpal bones, which means their feet or hands primarily rest on their toes or fingers during movement. These structures provide efficient support, balance, and agility for these organisms in a variety of environments. By walking on their toes, digitigrade animals minimize contact with the ground, allowing for swift and silent movement, reducing noise and vibration, and providing more effective traction.
Examples of digitigrade animals include domestic cats, wolves, dogs, ungulates like deer and horses, and many members of the feline and canine families in general. Their digitigrade posture enables them to move quickly, silently, and adeptly, aiding them in hunting, evading predators, and navigating different terrains. It is important to differentiate digitigrade locomotion from plantigrade (flat-footed) or unguligrade (hoofed) locomotion, as these categories describe distinct adaptations and skeletal structures related to ambulation.
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Walking on the toes, as the cat, the weasel, the lion, &c.-opposed to plantigrade.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DIGITIGRADE
- sigitigrade
- xigitigrade
- cigitigrade
- figitigrade
- rigitigrade
- eigitigrade
- dugitigrade
- djgitigrade
- dkgitigrade
- dogitigrade
- d9gitigrade
- d8gitigrade
- difitigrade
- divitigrade
- dibitigrade
- dihitigrade
- diyitigrade
- dititigrade
- digutigrade
Etymology of DIGITIGRADE
The word "digitigrade" originates from Latin and consists of two components: "digitus" (meaning finger or toe) and "gradus" (meaning step or walk).
In biological terms, "digitigrade" refers to an animal that walks on its toes or digits, such as cats, dogs, and birds. These animals typically have the main part of their foot elevated off the ground, utilizing only their toes for locomotion. The name "digitigrade" was coined to depict this unique characteristic of such animals.
Similar spelling words for DIGITIGRADE
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