Tridactylous is a word used to describe animals that have three toes or fingers. The spelling of tridactylous is based on the Greek word "trí" meaning three and "dáktylos" meaning finger. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /traɪˈdæktələs/. The "tri" is pronounced as "try" and the "dactylous" is pronounced as "dak-tuh-luhs". Overall, tridactylous is a great example of a word with a clear and phonetic spelling that accurately describes its meaning.
Tridactylous is an adjective that describes an organism or structure that has three functional digits or toes. It is derived from combining two Greek words: "tri," meaning three, and "daktylos," meaning finger or toe.
In the context of zoology, tridactylous usually refers to animals with three toes or digits on each limb. This characteristic is commonly observed in certain groups of animals such as reptiles, birds, and mammals. For instance, tridactylous birds include species like parrots, pigeons, and certain types of owls. In these birds, their feet are adapted for perching and climbing, with three toes positioned in the front and one toe, called the hallux, located at the back.
Tridactylous is also used to describe other animals with three functional digits. Some examples include tridactylous primates such as certain species of monkeys, lemurs, and apes. Similarly, certain reptiles such as geckos and lizards possess tridactylous limbs. Additionally, tridactylous mammals like tree sloths and anteaters are known for their specialized appendages that enable them to grasp or hang onto branches while moving through trees.
Overall, tridactylous describes the anatomical characteristic of having three functional digits or toes. This term is commonly used in the study of various animal species to categorize and identify those with a particular limb structure.
Have three fingers or toes.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "tridactylous" is derived from two Greek roots: "tri", meaning "three", and "daktylos", meaning "finger" or "toe". In zoology, "tridactylous" is used to describe animals that have three digits or toes.