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Dactyl: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฆต
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dactyl

 

[ หˆdรฆk.tษชl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

poetic meter

A dactyl is a metrical foot used in poetry that consists of one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables. It is commonly used in classical poetry, particularly in the works of ancient Greek and Latin poets. The term derives from the Greek word 'daktylos', which means 'finger', symbolizing the three syllables like the three segments of a finger. Dactylic meter contributes to the rhythmic flow of poetry by creating a distinct beat that differs from other metrical patterns.

Synonyms

metrical foot, poetic structure.

Examples of usage

  • In Homeric poetry, dactylic hexameter is prominent.
  • The word 'carefully' uses a dactylic structure.
  • Shakespeare occasionally employed dactylic rhythms.
Context #2 | Noun

anatomy

In anatomical terms, a dactyl refers to a digit or a finger-like structure. The term can be used in both human anatomy and zoology to describe the finger or toe of a vertebrate. The study of dactyls in this context can help in understanding the evolutionary biology of limb structures among different species, illustrating the relationship between form and function.

Synonyms

digit, finger, toe.

Examples of usage

  • The professor explained the anatomy of the dactyl.
  • Each dactyl in frogs is adapted for climbing.
  • The study of dactyls reveals evolutionary traits.

Translations

Translations of the word "dactyl" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น dรกctilo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเฅˆเค•เฅเคŸเคฟเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Dactylus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ daktil

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะฐะบั‚ะธะปัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ daktyl

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ€ใ‚ฏใƒ†ใ‚ฃใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dactyle

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ dรกctilo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท daktil

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‹คํฌํ‹ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏุงูƒุชูŠู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ daktile

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ daktรญl

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‹‡ๆŒ‡

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ daktil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ dactyl

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะฐะบั‚ะธะปัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒฅแƒขแƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ daktil

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ dรกctilo

Etymology

The word 'dactyl' originates from the Greek word 'daktylos', which literally translates to 'finger'. This etymology reflects the three-part structure of the dactyl in poetry, resembling the three segments of a finger. The association of the term with both poetry and anatomy highlights the broader implications of metrical patterns in language and the biological functions of digits. The concept of dactylic meter became prominent in the study of classical literature, especially during the Renaissance, when poets rediscovered ancient Greek and Latin forms. The significance of dactyls extends beyond literature; it also surfaces in discussions of rhythm and sound in various artistic expressions, bridging the gap between form and auditory experience.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,806 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.