PLANTIGRADE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "plantigrade" is used to describe a specific kind of locomotion that involves walking on the soles of the feet, with the entire foot making contact with the ground. This term is often used in the context of describing certain animals and their mode of movement.
In the animal kingdom, plantigrade refers to animals that walk in a flat-footed manner, with their heels touching the ground. This is in contrast to other types of locomotion such as digitigrade, where only the toes touch the ground (as seen in dogs and cats), or unguligrade, where only the tips of the toes touch the ground (as seen in horses).
Examples of plantigrade animals include humans, bears, raccoons, and some primates. These animals have adapted to have a relatively large surface area of contact with the ground, which provides them with stability and support during movement. This type of locomotion allows for a slower but more stable and precise gait, ideal for animals that climb trees or engage in activities requiring complex movements.
In summary, plantigrade refers to the walking style of animals in which the entire sole of the foot touches the ground during locomotion.
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• An animal that does so.
• Walking on the whole sole of the foot, as a bear.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PLANTIGRADE
Etymology of PLANTIGRADE
The word plantigrade originates from the Latin term planta, which means the sole of the foot, and gradus, which means a step or walking. Therefore, the literal translation of plantigrade would be walking on the sole of the foot.
Similar spelling words for PLANTIGRADE
- plant kingdom,
- plant product,
- plant order,
- plant process,
- plant virus,
- plant life,
- planet gear,
- planting,
- planetoid,
- plant-eating,
- plantlet,
- Plant Fibre,
- plant fiber,
- plentitude,
- plenitude,
- plant organ,
- plant bug.
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