18 November 2018

polydactyl

[pol-ee-dak-til]

adjective, Also, polydactylous

1. having many or several digits.
2. having more than the normal number of fingers or toes.
noun
3. a polydactyl animal.

Origin of polydactyl

Greek

1860-1865 From the Greek word polydáktylos, dating back to 1860-65. See poly-, -dactyl

Dictionary.com

Examples from the Web for polydactyl

Historical Examples

Let us consider next what happens when a polydactyl individual is crossed with a normal individual.
Inheritance of Characteristics in Domestic Fowl
Charles Benedict Davenport

It is also clear that the offspring of Silkie crosses are more apt to be polydactyl than those of Houdan crosses.
Inheritance of Characteristics in Domestic Fowl
Charles Benedict Davenport

This inquiry is suggested by Castle’s study (1906, p. 20) of polydactyl guinea-pigs.
Inheritance of Characteristics in Domestic Fowl
Charles Benedict Davenport

Today’s quote

When I do good I feel good, when I do bad I feel bad, and that’s my religion.

– Abraham Lincoln

On this day

18 November 1922 – Benito Mussolini becomes the leader of Italy. Mussolini, was head of the National Fascist Party and one of the founders of fascism. As dictator he named himself ‘Il Duce’ (The Leader). Initially a socialist, Mussolini felt that socialism had failed and he opposed egalitarianism. He was an ardent supporter of Adolf Hitler. Mussolini was forced to stand down in 1943 by his opponents. He went into hiding and in 1945 was captured and executed.

18 November 1928 – Mickey Mouse makes his screen debut, in ‘Steamboat Willy’.

18 November 1978 – Jim Jones, leader of the cult ‘People’s Temple’ located in Jonestown, Guyana, instructs followers to drink a deadly brew of Kool-Aid, cyanide and sedatives. 914 people died in the mass suicide, including Jones. 303 children were among the victims. It is likely that some of the deaths were murder as a result of some people being forced to drink the concoction. Jones claimed that the cult was under surveillance of intelligence organisations who were preparing to raid Jonestown and either kill or capture the members. He claimed that survivors would be forced to convert to fascism.

18 November 2002 – death of James Coburn, actor (‘The Great Escape‘, ‘The Magnificent Seven‘). Born 31 August 1928.