Orthopaedics · Skeletal System · Easy
Polydactyly
Meaning: A congenital condition in which a person is born with extra fingers or toes.
In practice: The baby had postaxial polydactyly, with a small extra digit beside the little finger.
Word parts
- poly- means many
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related orthopaedics words.
Which word means: Fibrous joint where bones are bound by ligament and interosseous membrane, allowing little movement.
Answer: Syndesmosis
Which word means: A bone infection, usually caused by bacteria.
Answer: Osteomyelitis
Words like polydactyly come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.