Discodactylous

/ˌdɪskoʊˈdæktɪləs/ adjective

Definition

Having disc-shaped fingers, toes, or digits; describing animals with adhesive disc pads on their extremities.

Etymology

From disco- (disc) + -dactylous (adjective form meaning 'having fingers of a certain type'). Common in herpetology to describe tree frogs and climbing reptiles.

Kelly Says

When scientists discovered that tree frogs were discodactylous—with those amazing sticky toe pads—they essentially decoded how geckos, tree frogs, and climbing insects grip surfaces, which inspired adhesive technology.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.