digitigrade etymology

Etymology:

  • Digitigrade is derived from Latin:
    • digitus ("finger, toe") + gradus ("step")

Meaning and Origin:

Digitigrade refers to a posture or gait in which animals walk or run on their toes, with only the tips of their toes touching the ground. The term was coined by British zoologist Thomas Bell in 1836 to describe the stance of certain quadrupeds, such as dogs and cats.

Usage:

Digitigrade is used in anatomy and zoology to describe the posture of animals that have a digitigrade stance. It is typically applied to terrestrial vertebrates, such as mammals and birds.

Examples:

Animals that are digitigrade include:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Cows
  • Horses
  • Rabbits
  • Kangaroos
  • Birds

Significance:

The digitigrade posture has several advantages for animals:

  • Agility: It allows for greater flexibility and speed, as the animal can push off with its toes.
  • Stealth: The reduced surface area of the foot produces less noise while walking, making it easier for the animal to remain undetected.
  • Efficiency: The elevated stance reduces the amount of energy expended while walking or running.

digitigrade relate terms

  • digit

    Etymology The word digit derives from the Latin digitus meaning finger or toe

  • plantigrade

    Etymology Latin planta sole of the foot gradus step Meaning Animals that w

  • digitigrade

    Etymology Digitigrade is derived from Latin digitus finger toe gradus step

  • aggress

    Etymology The word aggress comes from the Latin verb aggredi which means to attack

  • aggression

    Etymology of Aggression The term aggression derives from the Latin word aggressio w

  • aggressive

    Etymology The word aggressive comes from the Latin word aggressus meaning an attac

  • centigrade

    Etymology Centi Latin for one hundred Grad Swedish for degree Meaning A unit

  • congress

    Etymology The word congress is derived from the Latin word congressus which means

  • degrade

    Etymology The word degrade comes from the late Latin degradare which means to step

  • degree

    Etymology The word degree comes from the Latin word gradus which means step or st

  • degression

    Etymology The word degression is derived from the Latin degressio which means a ste

  • digress

    Etymology The word digress comes from the Latin verb digredior which means to ste

  • digression

    Etymology The word digression comes from the Latin word digressiō which is derived

  • egress

    Etymology Latin egressus past participle of egredi meaning to go out Meaning

  • gradation

    Etymology The word gradation comes from the Latin word gradus meaning step or de

  • grade

    Etymology The word grade comes from the Latin word gradus which means step or de

  • gradual

    Etymology Latin gradualiter Late Latin gradus step aliter in a gradual ma

  • graduate

    Etymology Latin gradus step French gradué one who has taken a degree Meani

  • grallatorial

    Etymology Latin grallatōrius meaning walking on stilts Proto Indo European ghrel

  • gravigrade

    Etymology Gravigrade comes from the Latin words gravis heavy and gradus step Me

  • ingredient

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  • ingress

    Etymology The word ingress originates from the Latin word ingressus which means an

  • plantigrade

    Etymology Latin planta sole of the foot gradus step Meaning Animals that w

  • progress

    Etymology Progress comes from the Latin word progressus which means advancement or

  • progression

    Etymology The word progression comes from the Latin word progressio which is derive

  • regress

    Etymology Latin regressus meaning step backward Old French regres meaning going

  • regression

    Etymology The word regression comes from the Latin word regressus which means a goi

  • retrograde

    Etymology Latin retro backward gradus step Retrograde first appeared in En

  • retrogress

    Etymology The word retrogress comes from the Latin word retrogredior which means t

  • tardigrade

    Etymology The word tardigrade comes from the Latin words tardus slow and gradus

  • transgress

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  • transgression

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  • otter

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  • mammal

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  • mitigate

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  • constellation

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