Definition

1. Noun:
   • A congenital defect in which one or more toes or fingers are abnormally positioned: Clinodactyly is a medical term for a condition present at birth, characterized by the abnormal curvature or bending of a finger or toe, most commonly affecting the little finger.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The pediatrician noted a slight clinodactyly in the newborn's right little finger.
  • Clinodactyly is often a benign finding but can sometimes be associated with genetic syndromes.

Advanced Usage

• As a clinical sign: In medical diagnostics, the presence of clinodactyly can be a minor physical anomaly that prompts further evaluation for potential underlying genetic conditions.
  • The geneticist documented the clinodactyly as part of the patient's phenotypic assessment.

Variants and Related Words

• Clinodactylic (adj): Pertaining to or affected by clinodactyly.
  • The clinodactylic curvature was very mild.

Synonyms

• Congenital finger curvature: A descriptive synonym for the condition.
• Congenital toe curvature: When specifically affecting the toes.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to a congenital (present at birth) and often fixed curvature. It is distinct from acquired deformities or temporary swelling.
• It is typically a minor anomaly but can be a dysmorphic feature (a difference in body structure) seen in various genetic disorders.

Noun

1. a congenital defect in which one or more toes or fingers are abnormally positioned