How Do You Spell MEGALODACTYLOUS?

Pronunciation: [mˈɛɡəlˌɒdɐktˌɪləs] (IPA)

Megalodactylous (ˌmɛɡələˈdæktɪləs) is a challenging word to spell due to its length and complex structure. The first part of the word, "megal," is from the Greek word for "large." The second part, "dactyl," is from the Greek word for "finger" or "toe." The final suffix, "-ous," denotes possession or full of. The phonetic transcription of the word shows that it has stress on the third syllable and ends with the consonant sound "-s." Overall, the spelling of megalodactylous requires knowledge of Greek roots and suffixes in addition to solid English spelling skills.

MEGALODACTYLOUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Megalodactylous is an adjective derived from combining the Greek words "megas," meaning large or great, and "daktulos," meaning finger. This term is primarily used in the field of biology, specifically in zoology and paleontology, to describe a trait or characteristic of an organism's limbs or digits.

    Megalodactylous refers to the condition or state of having extremely large or oversized fingers or toes. It signifies an abnormal or exaggerated enlargement of the digits beyond what is considered typical for the species or group being described. This term is often used to discuss animals, particularly birds, reptiles, and other terrestrial vertebrates that possess disproportionately large or elongated digits.

    The megalodactylous trait is commonly associated with specialized adaptations that allow organisms to perform specific functions or inhabit distinct environments. For example, in certain bird species, megalodactylous feet are essential for grasping branches or prey tightly, enabling them to navigate and survive in densely forested habitats. In other cases, megalodactylous digits may provide mechanical advantages for climbing, running, or swimming.

    Overall, the term megalodactylous emphasizes the remarkable size or elongation of an organism's digits and highlights the biological significance of these specialized adaptations in various ecological contexts.

  2. Having large fingers or toes.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for MEGALODACTYLOUS

  • megalodactylots
  • megalodactylou3
  • megalodactylouc
  • megalodactylouq
  • megalodactylour
  • megalowdactylowus
  • m egalodactylous
  • me galodactylous
  • meg alodactylous
  • mega lodactylous
  • megal odactylous
  • megalo dactylous
  • megalod actylous
  • megaloda ctylous
  • megalodac tylous
  • megalodact ylous
  • megalodacty lous
  • megalodactyl ous
  • megalodactylo us
  • megalodactylou s

Etymology of MEGALODACTYLOUS

The word "megalodactylous" is derived from two Greek roots - "megas" meaning "big" or "great", and "daktulos" meaning "finger" or "toe". In combination, "megalodactylous" describes something or someone with large or oversized fingers or toes.