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Glite Dictionary
🦌 A hoofed mammal 🐾 Even-toed hoofed
artiodactyl

artiodactyl

9.9
Relating to animals with hooves and an even number of toes, like cows
  • adjective
  • /ˌɑrtiˈɑdɪktəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : artiodáctilo
  • A key distinguishing feature of artiodactyl mammals is their even-toed hoof structure.

Examples

  • The artiodactyl lineage includes animals like cows, sheep, and hippos.

  • Some prehistoric artiodactyl species are known only from fossil records.

  • The artiodactyl family includes animals like deer and giraffes.

  • Did you know that the artiodactyl species can be found worldwide?

  • The artiodactyl characteristics of animals like deer and pigs include having an even number of toes on each foot.

  • Scientists classify hippos and camels as artiodactyl mammals due to their unique toe structure.

  • Many artiodactyl species thrive in diverse environments, from forests to grasslands.

Synonyms

artiodactylous
vsartiodactyl
  • Specialized
9.9

A mammal that has an even number of toes on each foot, like a cow or pig

is the broader descriptive adjective for that same group of mammals
even-toed
vsartiodactyl
  • Specialized
8.4

A mammal with an even number of toes on each foot, like a cow or a deer

is the taxonomic adjective referring to the order rather than a simple physical description

Compounds

artiodactyl mammal
  • Specialized
9.6

A mammal with hooves and an even number of toes, like deer, pigs or camels

Surface Forms

artiodactyl positive

Morphology

artiodactyl = dactyl (opaque) = artio + dactyl

Both parts are technical Greek combining forms ('artio-' is not a standalone English word and 'dactyl' is specialized), so learners cannot readily derive the meaning.

Etymology

Artiodactyl comes from Greek parts artios meaning 'even' and dactylos meaning 'finger' or 'toe', so it literally says 'even-toed'. That's why as an adjective artiodactyl describes animals that have an even number of toes on each foot.