tetradactylous

The bird's tetradactylous foot is perfectly adapted for perching on branches.

Definition

Adjective: In zoology, "tetradactylous" describes an animal that has four digits (fingers or toes) on each limb.

Usage Examples

• (The ostrich has four toes on each foot.)
• (They have four digits on each forelimb.)

Advanced Usage

• "Tetradactylous condition": The state of having four digits on a limb.

  • The tetradactylous condition is common in certain reptiles and birds. (Having four toes is a typical trait for these groups.)

• "Tetradactylous foot": A foot with four distinct digits.

  • The tetradactylous foot of the lizard allows for efficient climbing. (The four-toed foot aids in gripping surfaces.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tetradactyl (adj): A shorter form of "tetradactylous," meaning having four digits.

  • The tetradactyl hand of the monkey is adapted for grasping. (The four-fingered hand is suited for holding objects.)

• Tetradactyly (n): The condition of having four digits on a limb.

  • Tetradactyly is a rare genetic trait in humans. (The state of having four fingers or toes.)

Synonyms

• Four-toed: having four toes.

  • The four-toed hedgehog is a tetradactylous mammal. (It has four toes on each foot.)

• Four-fingered: having four fingers.

  • Some species of frogs are four-fingered, or tetradactylous. (They possess four digits on their hands.)

Related Idioms

• "Four on the floor": While not a direct idiom for "tetradactylous," it can be used playfully to refer to an animal with all four feet on the ground.
  • The tetradactylous cat keeps four on the floor as it walks. (The cat has all four paws touching the ground.)