pterodactyly

Term: pterodactyly(n)

Literally meaning: “the condition of having wings instead fingers”

Origin: Anc Greek

(πτερο-)/(ptero-)(=wing)

 + (δάκτυλος/dactylos, digit)(=finger, digit) >δείκτης/deictes(=index finger)

Coined/History

The term was coined by Dutch physician Theodor Kercring in 1670.

Definition

Polydactyly is a congenital malformation of having more than the normal number of fingers or toes due to abnormal embryonic failure.