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polydactyly

polydactyly

1 9.9
A birth condition in which a person has extra fingers or toes
  • noun
  • /ˌpɒlɪˈdæktɪli/
  • Specialized
: polidactilia
  • Polydactyly, or supernumerary digit, is a common congenital foot deformity.

Examples

  • There may also be preaxial polydactyly, which occurs when there is duplication of the great toe.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Polydactyly is often classified as complex or simple, and the duplication may range from a well-formed articulated digit to a tiny rudimentary digit.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Only one case of rudimentary thumb polydactyly was observed.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Most neonates and infants with polydactyly will require surgical removal of the duplicated structures.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Polydactyly is a condition where a child is born with more than five fingers on one hand, often referred to as polydactyly.

  • The doctor explained that polydactyly can affect both fingers and toes, resulting in extra digits.

  • Children with polydactyly may need surgery to remove the additional fingers for better function.

Synonyms

hyperdactyly
vspolydactyly
  • Specialized
9.9

A person who has more than the usual number of fingers or toes

emphasizes rarity, calling it a rare birth defect rather than a neutral medical term

Antonyms

adactyly
  • Specialized
9.9

A condition when a person is born missing fingers or toes

Surface Forms

polydactyly singular
polydactylies plural

Morphology

polydactyly = polydactyl (opaque) = poly + dactyl + y

The noun is formed regularly from the adjective 'polydactyl' with '-y' to denote a condition or state.

Etymology

Polydactyly comes from poly- 'many' and -dactyl 'finger'. Think of polygon ('many sides') and the word digit (a finger) to remember that polydactyly means having 'many fingers' or extra toes.