polydactyly

noun poly·dac·ty·ly \ ˌpä-lē-ˈdak-tə-lē \

Definition of polydactyly

: the condition of having more than the normal number of fingers or toes

Recent Examples of polydactyly from the Web

State Veterinarian Susan Keller said the extra limbs could possibly be one of two similar genetic disorders called polydactyly or polymelia.

— forum news service, Twin Cities, "North Dakota rancher puzzling over calf born with six legs," 13 May 2017
State Veterinarian Susan Keller said the calf may have been born with one of two disorders: polymelia, where extra limbs are often smaller or shrunken, or polydactyly, which is the result of genetic combinations involving recessive genes.

— CBS News, "Calf born with 2 extra legs attached to its neck," 15 May 2017
To determine how common polydactyly was among the Chacos, the researchers conducted an analysis of 96 skeletons excavated from Pueblo Bonito during prior expeditions.

— scott s. warren, National Geographic, "Extra Fingers and Toes Were Revered in Ancient Culture," 25 July 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'polydactyly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.