Macrodactylic is a word that refers to a person or creature with abnormally large fingers or toes. It is spelled with a combination of phonemes that come together to form an unusual and challenging word for English speakers. In IPA phonetic transcription, this word is spelled /mækrədæktɪlɪk/ with the main emphasis on the second syllable. Breaking down the word in this way can help readers understand the phonetic components and the spelling. Overall, macrodactylic is a unique and fascinating word that describes a very specific medical condition.
Macrodactylic is an adjective used to describe a distinctive characteristic of certain organisms, particularly animals, that have abnormally large or elongated digits or appendages. The term is derived from the Greek words "macro," meaning large, and "dactylos," meaning finger or toe.
In zoology, macrodactylic usually refers to an anatomical abnormality in which one or more digits or limbs exhibit excessive growth, resulting in digits that are significantly larger than normal. This condition is often observed in certain species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Macrodactylic anomalies can affect both upper and lower extremities, leading to the enlargement of hands, fingers, feet, or toes.
This term also finds application in poetry, specifically in the study of meter and scansion. In the realm of classical versification, macrodactylic denotes a metric foot composed of three syllables, with the first syllable long or stressed, and the following two syllables ending in short or unstressed syllables. This foot is also referred to as a "long syllable plus two shorts." Macrodactylic feet are rare in many poetic traditions but have a role in ancient Greek and Latin poetry.
Overall, macrodactylic refers to the abnormal enlargement of digits or limbs in animals or denotes a specific poetic foot structure.
Having long toes.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Macrodactylic" is derived from two ancient Greek words: "makros" meaning "large" or "long" and "daktulios" meaning "finger" or "toe". By combining these two words, "macrodactylic" is formed to describe something that has abnormally large fingers or toes.