How Do You Spell POLYDACTYLISMS?

Pronunciation: [pˌɒlɪdˈaktɪlˌɪzəmz] (IPA)

Polydactylisms is a word with a complex spelling, consisting of three morphemes: "poly-" meaning "many", "-dactyl-" meaning "finger" or "toe", and "-isms" meaning "the belief in or practice of". The correct pronunciation of the word is /pɑliːˈdæk.tiˌlɪzəmz/, with the stress on the second syllable "dactyl". The "-isms" ending is pronounced as a separate syllable with the vowel sound /əz/. Polydactylism refers to the genetic condition where an individual has more than the usual number of fingers or toes.

POLYDACTYLISMS Meaning and Definition

1. Polydactylism is a medical term used to describe a congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of extra fingers or toes in humans or animals. The word is derived from the Greek roots "poly," meaning many, and "daktylos," meaning finger.

   In humans, polydactylism can manifest as an additional digit or digits on the hands or feet. These extra appendages may appear fully developed or be smaller and less functional than regular fingers or toes. Polydactyly can occur as an isolated abnormality or be associated with various genetic syndromes.

   In animals, particularly cats, polydactylism is relatively common. Polydactyl cats, also known as Hemingway cats or mitten cats, possess additional toes on their paws. Rather than the usual five toes on the front paws and four on the back, they can have up to seven digits on each paw. The extra toes may result in a larger and wider paw, resembling the appearance of mittens or boxing gloves.

   Polydactylism can have both aesthetic and functional implications. While some individuals may find the condition charming or unique, others may experience difficulties in using the additional fingers or toes for tasks such as gripping objects or walking. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct any functional or cosmetic issues associated with the condition.

Common Misspellings for POLYDACTYLISMS

• oolydactylisms
• lolydactylisms
• -olydactylisms
• 0olydactylisms
• pilydactylisms
• pklydactylisms
• pllydactylisms
• pplydactylisms
• p0lydactylisms
• p9lydactylisms
• pokydactylisms
• popydactylisms
• pooydactylisms
• poltdactylisms
• polgdactylisms
• polhdactylisms
• poludactylisms
• pol7dactylisms
• pol6dactylisms
• polysactylisms

Etymology of POLYDACTYLISMS

The word "polydactylisms" is derived from the combination of two words: "polydactyl" and "isms".

1. Polydactyl: This term originated from the fusion of two Greek words—'poly' meaning "many" and 'daktylos' meaning "finger" or "toe". It refers to a physical condition in which an individual or an animal has more than the usual number of digits on their hands or feet. A polydactyl person or animal exhibits this abnormality.

2. Isms: This suffix is commonly used to form nouns that represent beliefs, practices, or ideologies. For example, "capitalism" refers to an economic system driven by private investment and ownership.