Brachydactylous

/ˌbrækɪˈdæktɪləs/ adjective

Definition

Having or characterized by short fingers or toes.

Etymology

From Greek 'brachy-' (short) and 'daktylos' (finger), with the adjectival ending '-ous' meaning full of or characterized by.

Kelly Says

Penguins are brachydactylous with their flippers, and that's perfect because it made them into incredibly efficient swimmers—evolution shaped their wings to be short and powerful rather than long and delicate.

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