polydactyl

[ pol-ee-dak-til ]

adjective

1. having many or several digits.
2. having more than the normal number of fingers or toes.

noun

1. a polydactyl animal.

polydactyl

/ ˌpɒlɪˈdæktɪl /

adjective

1. (of man and other vertebrates) having more than the normal number of digits

noun

1. a human or other vertebrate having more than the normal number of digits

Word History and Origins

Origin of polydactyl¹

From the Greek word polydáktylos, dating back to 1860–65. See poly-, -dactyl

Word History and Origins

Origin of polydactyl¹

C19: via French from Greek poludactulos many-toed; see dactyl

Example Sentences

She was also polydactyl, with an extra toe on each paw, and had an underdeveloped jaw and no teeth which caused her tongue to always hang out.

From BBC

The investigation of polydactyl hands and the brains that control them is a test case for the advantages of researching the unusual.

From Scientific American

When Jacinda Ardern became New Zealand’s new prime minister last month she also brought with her a polydactyl cat, named Paddles.

From The Guardian

The cat was well-known for its polydactyl abnormality - she had extra claws that looked like thumbs.

From BBC

"I, for one, welcome our polydactyl feline overlords," said another in response to Paddle's introductory tweet.

From BBC