dactylology

[ dak-tuh-lol-uh-jee ]

noun

, plural dac·ty·lol·o·gies.

1. the technique of communicating by signs made with the fingers, especially in the manual alphabets used by the Deaf.

dactylology

/ ˌdæktɪˈlɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the method of using manual sign language, as in communicating with deaf people

Word History and Origins

Origin of dactylology¹

First recorded in 1650–60; dactylo- + -logy

Example Sentences

Its advocates tell us that when these results shall have been made known, and the attention of the philanthropist and man of science shall have been directed to them, the days of the old system of dactylology, or communication by the aid of fingers, will be numbered. 

From Project Gutenberg

Schematology is itself divided into Typology or Grammatology, and Cheirology or Dactylology.

From Project Gutenberg

It is certain, however, that he made no use of the sign-language, though there is some evidence that he invented and practised a system of syllabic dactylology.

From Project Gutenberg

To the general public, dactylology or finger spelling is the sign-language, or the basis of that language, but to the profession there is no relation between the two methods of communication.

From Project Gutenberg

Signs, dactylology, speech reading, and the written and printed word are all dependent upon the eye for their value as educational instruments.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• finger alphabet
• fingerspelling