Digitigradism

/dɪdʒɪtɪɡreɪdɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The characteristic, condition, or practice of being digitigrade; the adaptation of walking or moving on digits or toes.

Etymology

From 'digitigrade' plus '-ism,' meaning a state, condition, or characteristic. Combines Latin 'digitus' (digit) and 'gradus' (gait) with the abstract noun suffix.

Kelly Says

Digitigradism isn't a word you hear often, but it describes a major evolutionary strategy—the commitment to walking on toes rather than the whole foot unlocked speed and agility for entire families of predators.

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