polydactyly

poly·dac·ty·ly | \ ˌpä-lē-ˈdak-tə-lē

How to pronounce polydactyly (audio)

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Definition of polydactyly

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

Examples of polydactyly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This condition, known as polydactyly, affects roughly two in every 1,000 newborns. — Tom Roseberry, Scientific American, "Studying the Superhuman," 4 Sep. 2019 Yet this is not always the case: some people with polydactyly decide not to have their additional fingers removed. — Tom Roseberry, Scientific American, "Studying the Superhuman," 4 Sep. 2019 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.

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Dictionary Entries near polydactyly

polycythemia vera

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Cite this Entry

“Polydactyly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polydactyly. Accessed 30 Oct. 2020.

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