The term "webbed fingers" refers to a condition where the skin between the fingers is joined, making them appear like a web. The spelling is based on the pronunciation of the words, with the first syllable pronounced as "web" (wɛb) and the second syllable pronounced as "bed" (bɛd). The double "b" in the second syllable indicates a voiced sound, as opposed to the silent "b" in the word "debt". This condition is often congenital and may be caused by genetic factors or environmental factors.
Webbed fingers refer to a physical characteristic in which the digits of a person's hand are partially or wholly fused together by a membrane of skin. This unique anatomical feature is typically observed in certain animal species, such as aquatic birds and amphibians, but can also occur in humans due to a congenital condition known as syndactyly. Syndactyly is a genetic condition that affects the development of the limbs, resulting in the fusion of two or more fingers.
In individuals with webbed fingers, the skin between adjacent fingers is extended and thickened, forming a structural connection that resembles a "web". This webbing can range from a mild connection of skin, where only a small segment of the fingers is fused, to a more severe case where the entire length of the digits is fused together. The degree of webbing can vary between individuals and can affect one or both hands.
Webbed fingers can impact hand functionality and dexterity, particularly in regard to tasks that require individual finger movement or grip strength. However, individuals with webbed fingers usually adapt and develop alternative strategies to accomplish tasks that may otherwise require more extensive finger dexterity.
Though webbed fingers can be visibly distinct, they do not generally cause any significant health concerns or impairments. In some cases, surgical intervention may be considered for cosmetic or functional reasons, especially if the webbing restricts normal finger movement or causes social discomfort. Overall, webbed fingers are a distinctive physical characteristic that can add uniqueness to an individual's appearance.
A form of syndactylism in which two or more of the fingers are not fused, but are joined by a fold of skin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "webbed fingers" is a compound word made up of two distinct elements.
1. "Webbed" comes from the noun "web", which refers to a thin membrane or net-like structure. In the context of fingers, it describes the condition where the skin between the fingers is connected, creating a web-like appearance.
2. "Fingers" derives from the Old English word "finger" which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "fingraz". "Finger" specifically refers to the slender, jointed digits of the hand, used for grasping, touching, and handling objects.
Therefore, "webbed fingers" literally means fingers that have a web-like structure between them. This condition, known as syndactyly, is a congenital abnormality where adjacent fingers are partially or fully fused together.