unwebbed
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective 1. Not having webbing: Describes the feet or toes of an animal that are not connected by a web of skin. This is the opposite of webbed feet, which are common in aquatic animals for swimming.
Usage
The word "unwebbed" is used almost exclusively in a biological or zoological context to describe the physical structure of an animal's feet, particularly when comparing them to the webbed feet of related species. * It is a technical descriptor, not commonly used in everyday conversation. * It typically modifies nouns like "feet," "toes," or "digits."
Examples
- The unwebbed feet of the chicken are adapted for scratching the ground.
- Unlike ducks, many land birds have unwebbed toes.
- A key identifying feature is its unwebbed hind feet.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used in evolutionary biology to discuss adaptations.
- The transition from unwebbed limbs to webbed flippers was crucial for the species' move to an aquatic habitat.
Variants and Related Words
- Webbed (adj.): The direct antonym, meaning having toes connected by a web of skin.
- Ducks have webbed feet for efficient swimming.
- Palmate (adj.): A more specific zoological term often used synonymously with "webbed," describing a hand- or foot-like structure where the digits are connected.
Synonyms
- Non-webbed
- Separate-toed
- Free-digited (very rare, technical)
Antonyms
- Webbed
- Palmate
Adjective
- (of the feet of some animals) not webbed
- a primitive frog with unwebbed toes