anisodactylous

adjective

an·​iso·​dac·​ty·​lous
-¦daktələs
: having unequal toes
used especially of passerine and picarian birds having three toes turned forward and one backward

Word History

Etymology

anis- entry 1 + -dactylous

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anisodactylous was in 1828

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near anisodactylous

Cite this Entry

“Anisodactylous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anisodactylous. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!