Hexadactylic

/ˌhɛksədækˈtɪlɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characterized by having six digits, fingers, or toes on each limb.

Etymology

From Greek 'hex-' (six) + 'daktylos' (finger) + '-ic' (relating to). This became a standard anatomical descriptor in the 18th and 19th centuries as zoologists categorized animal body plans.

Kelly Says

Most vertebrates are actually pentadactyl (five digits), but studying hexadactylic or polydactyl variants helps evolutionary biologists understand how body plans change over millions of years.

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