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

So long as this is true, dactylology can hardly claim to be more than one of the elements of a system of instruction for the deaf.

From Project Gutenberg

By means of it thoughts are exchanged more quickly than by speech or writing—not to mention dactylology, which lags so far behind.

From Project Gutenberg

They pressed hands at parting, firmly and briefly, not for the ordinary dactylology of lovers, but in sign of the treaty of amity.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• finger alphabet
• fingerspelling