What does "polydactyly" mean?
A congenital condition in which a person or animal has more than the usual number of digits (fingers or toes) on at least one of the hands or feet.
Polydactyly
/ˌpɒl.ɪˈdak.tɪl.i/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A congenital condition in which a person or animal has more than the usual number of digits (fingers or toes) on at least one of the hands or feet.
- Grammar: polydactyly is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: hyperdactyly.
- Useful contrasts: adactylia, adactylism, adactyly.
- Usage evidence: 2003, Karl-Heinz Grzeschik, 66: Greig Cephalopolysyndactyly Syndrome, Mary Ann McLaughlin (supervising editor), NORD Guide to Rare Disorders, National Organization for Rare Disorders, Wolters Kluwer (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins), page 201, Postaxial polydactyly is common in the hands and preaxial polydactyly in the feet.
How to use "polydactyly"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "polydactyly" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "polydactyly" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "polydactyly" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "polydactyly" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "hyperdactyly" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A congenital condition in which a person or animal has more than the usual number of digits (fingers or toes) on at least one of the hands or feet. countable, uncountable
"2003, Karl-Heinz Grzeschik, 66: Greig Cephalopolysyndactyly Syndrome, Mary Ann McLaughlin (supervising editor), NORD Guide to Rare Disorders, National Organization for Rare Disorders, Wolters Kluwer (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins), page 201, Postaxial polydactyly is common in the hands and preaxial polydactyly in the feet."
- 2 birth defect characterized by the presence of more than the normal number of fingers or toes wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"2003, Karl-Heinz Grzeschik, 66: Greig Cephalopolysyndactyly Syndrome, Mary Ann McLaughlin (supervising editor), NORD Guide to Rare Disorders, National Organization for Rare Disorders, Wolters Kluwer (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins), page 201, Postaxial polydactyly is common in the hands and preaxial polydactyly in the feet."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "polydactyly"?
Common synonyms include: hyperdactyly.
How do you use "polydactyly" in a sentence?
2003, Karl-Heinz Grzeschik, 66: Greig Cephalopolysyndactyly Syndrome, Mary Ann McLaughlin (supervising editor), NORD Guide to Rare Disorders, National Organization for Rare Disorders, Wolters Kluwer (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins), page 201, Postaxial polydactyly is common in the hands and preaxial polydactyly in the feet.
How do you pronounce "polydactyly"?
Pronounced /ˌpɒl.ɪˈdak.tɪl.i/.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek πολυδάκτυλος (poludáktulos) + -y, from πολυ- (polu-, “many”) + δάκτυλος (dáktulos, “digits”), equivalent to poly- + dactyly or polydactyl + -y.^((Etymology 3))