What does the prefix dactyl(o) refer to?

What does the prefix dactyl(o) refer to?

• A. Nail
• B. Finger or Toes
• C. Palm
• D. Toe

Answer: (B)

The prefix dactyl(o) refers to digits—the fingers and toes. It comes from a Greek root meaning finger or toe, and is used in terms that talk about digits in general, such as polydactyly (extra digits) or dactylitis (inflammation of a digit). Nails and the palm are different parts of the hand, so they aren’t what this prefix denotes. Therefore, the best choice is the one that means finger or toes.

The prefix dactyl(o) refers to digits—the fingers and toes. It comes from a Greek root meaning finger or toe, and is used in terms that talk about digits in general, such as polydactyly (extra digits) or dactylitis (inflammation of a digit). Nails and the palm are different parts of the hand, so they aren’t what this prefix denotes. Therefore, the best choice is the one that means finger or toes.