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artiodactylous

artiodactylous

9.9
A mammal that has an even number of toes on each foot, like a cow or pig
  • adjective
  • /ˌɑrtiˈɑdɛkˌtɪləs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : artiodáctilo
  • Most domesticated livestock, such as sheep and pigs, are artiodactylous mammals.

Examples

  • The camel is an artiodactylous animal adapted to desert life.

  • Scientists studied the hooves of artiodactylous species to understand their movement in different terrains.

  • The artiodactylous species include animals like cows and pigs.

  • Did you know that artiodactylous mammals have two or four toes?

  • Most domesticated livestock, such as cows and sheep, are artiodactylous mammals.

  • The giraffe is an artiodactylous species known for its long neck and unique diet.

  • In Africa, many artiodactylous animals, such as antelopes and wildebeests, roam the savannah.

Synonyms

artiodactyl
vsartiodactylous
  • Specialized
9.9

Relating to animals with hooves and an even number of toes, like cows

is the same meaning but without examples
even-toed
vsartiodactylous
  • Specialized
8.4

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

is framed as the taxonomic relation rather than toe description

Surface Forms

artiodactylous positive

Morphology

artiodactylous = artiodactyl (opaque) = artio + dactyl + ous

Formed from the technical zoological noun 'artiodactyl' plus '-ous'; the combining elements ('artio-', 'dactyl') are specialist and not transparent to average learners.

Etymology

Artiodactylous comes from two Greek parts: artio- meaning 'even' and dactyl- meaning 'toe', so it literally says 'even-toed'. That's why artiodactylous describes animals with an even number of toes on each foot, like cows and pigs.