Words Starting With "D"

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Dactylia

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Dactylia refers to small, finger-like projections or appendages. Specifically, in botany, dactylia are small floral structures that are similar to stamens and resemble fingers or fingers-like appendages. In general, the word "dactylia" can also be used to describe any small, finger-like structure or appendage.

Dactylic

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Dactylic refers to a type of poetic meter characterized by a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. In a dactylic meter, each foot consists of one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables. This creates a rhythmic pattern of da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM, which is often used to create a sense of grandeur or solemnity in poetry. The term "dactylic" comes from the Greek word "daktylos", meaning "finger", which is likely due to the idea that each foot of the meter resembles a finger that taps out the rhythm.

Dactylifera

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The word "dactylifera" refers to the fig tree (Ficus carica), which is a species of fig that produces edible fruit. The term comes from the Latin words "dactylus," meaning fig, and "fero," meaning to bear or produce.

Dactyliology

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Dactyliology is the study of fingerprints and the identification of individuals through finger marks. It deals with the classification, examination, and comparison of fingerprints to establish the identity of a person.

Dactyliomancy

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Dactyliomancy is a form of divination that involves using a ring or other circular object to predict the future. It is also known as ring divination or ring reading. In this practice, the diviner will typically turn the ring rapidly and then stop it with their finger, allowing the ring to come to rest in a new position. The diviner will then interpret the position of the ring to gain insight into the past, present, or future.

Dactylion

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Dactylion: A word coined by anatomist Henry Gray to describe the tuft of hairs at the root of the tail of a kangaroo or wallaby.

Dactylis

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Dactylis is a type of grass, scientifically known as Dactylis glomerata. It is a perennial grass native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, commonly found in meadows, pastures, and grasslands.

Dactylist

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A dactylist is a person who practices dactylogy, which is the study of fingerprints. The term can also refer to a professional who specializes in the analysis and identification of fingerprints for forensic, law enforcement, or other purposes.

Dactylitis

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Dactylitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the toes, particularly the big toe. It is often caused by infection, and can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the affected toe. Dactylitis is also known as toe tendinitis or tenosynovitis of the toe.

Dactyloctenium

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Dactyloctenium is a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae. The name "Dactyloctenium" comes from the Greek words "dactylon" meaning "little finger" and "tenos" meaning "tendon" or "sinew", likely referring to the shape of the leaf blades.

Dactylogram

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A dactylogram is a print or impression of the ridges and holes on a person's fingerprints, used for identification purposes.

Dactylography

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Dactylography is the study and documentation of fingerprints.

Dactylology

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Dactylology refers to the study of the fingers and the ways in which they move when signing or communicating using sign language.

Dactylomancy

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Dactylomancy is a form of divination that uses fingertips to predict the future or gain insight into the past. It is an ancient practice that involves pressing the fingers of one's hand onto a surface, such as a piece of wood or a stone, to reveal hidden truths or messages.

Dactylomegaly

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Dactylomegaly is a rare congenital disorder characterized by enlargement of the fingers or toes. The condition is usually benign and often detected at birth. It is sometimes associated with other medical conditions, such as Marfan syndrome or Turner syndrome.

Dactylonomy

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Dactylonomy is the study of the length and shape of the fingers, particularly in relation to understanding human ancestry or identity.

Dactylopiidae

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The Dactylopiidae family is a group of insects that includes the cochineal insects, which are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on cacti and produce a pigment that has been used as a natural dye. The name "Dactylopiidae" comes from the Greek words "daktylos", meaning "finger", and "pous", meaning "foot", likely due to the insect's distinctive limbs.

Dactylopteridae

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The Dactylopteridae family, also known as the flying fish family, is a group of marine fish that are known for their large fins that resemble wings, allowing them to glide above the water's surface.

Dactylopterous

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Dactylopterous refers to something having fins or rays resembling fingers or toes.

Dactylopterus

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Dactylopterus is a genus of fish in the family Dactylopteridae. It is a type of flying fish that is native to the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are characterized by their large pectoral fins that they use to glide above the water's surface, giving them the appearance of flying.

Dactylorhiza

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Dactylorhiza is a genus of orchids commonly known as butterfly orchids. They are found in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and purple, and are often characterized by their distinctive markings that resemble the wings of butterflies.

Dactyloscopic

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Dactyloscopic refers to the study of fingerprints, particularly in a forensic or investigative context. The word is derived from the Greek words "daktylos," meaning finger, and "skopos," meaning investigator or observer.

Dactyloscopidae

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The Dactyloscopidae, also known as mud skippers, is a family of fish that includes about 120 species. They are a type of amphibious fish that have the ability to live out of water, using their powerful pectoral fins to move along the ocean floor and even to short distances above the water's surface. The name "Dactyloscopic" comes from the Greek words "daktylos" meaning "finger" and "skopos" meaning "seer".

Dactyloscopy

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Dactyloscopy is the science of fingerprint identification and analysis. It involves the collection and comparison of fingerprints to determine their origin and use in forensic science to identify individuals.

Dactylospasm

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Dactylospasm is a medical term that refers to a spasmodic contraction of the fingers, typically caused by severe emotional stress or nervousness.

Dactylotheca

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Dactylotheca refers to a type of fossilized seed pod or fruit found in sedimentary rocks. The term is derived from the Greek words "dactylon" meaning "finger" and "theke" meaning "container" or "receptacle".

Dactylozooid

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A rare one!<br><br>Dactylozooid refers to a growth on the fingers or toes of a human being that is caused by an infestation of the skin mite, Demodex folliculorum. It is characterized by the presence of small, skin-colored or white nodules, typically found on the sides of the fingers or on the toe pads.

Dactylozooids

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Dactylozooids refer to a type of locomotory organs found in certain types of worms, such as flatworms and segmented worms. These organs are modified setae (bristles) that are used for movement and crawling. They are characterized by their dactyloid (finger-like) shape and are often found on the ventral surface of the worm.

Dactylus

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Dactylus is a noun that refers to a small club-shaped or claw-like finger or toe, especially one that is malformed or abnormal. It can also refer to a similar bone or bony projection in animals, such as a claw or a hoof. In medical contexts, a dactylus might specifically refer to a congenital anomaly of the fingers or toes.

Dad

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"A dad is a male parent or father, particularly in reference to a father's role in caring for and raising his children. The term can also be used informally to refer to a male authority figure or a mentor."

Dada

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The word "dada" is a noun that refers to a form of art and literature that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its absurdity,anti-rationality, and anti-bourgeois values. It is often associated with the Dada movement, a group of artists and writers who rejected traditional notions of beauty, morality, and logic. In a broader sense, "dada" can also be used to describe something or someone that is nonsensical, absurd, or irrational.

Dadaism

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Dadaism is an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a rejection of traditional artistic conventions and a focus on the absurd, irrational, and unconventional. The movement was born in Switzerland in 1916 and spread to other countries, including France, Germany, and the United States.<br><br>The core principles of Dadaism were:<br><br>1. Anti-art: A rejection of traditional artistic forms and conventions.<br>2. Anti-bourgeoisie: A rejection of the values and lifestyle of the middle class.<br>3. Absurdity: An emphasis on the absurd, irrational, and nonsensical.<br>4. Chaos: An embrace of chaos and disorder.<br><br>Dadaist artists and writers used a wide range of techniques to convey their anti-art, including:<br><br>1. Collage: Cutting and rearranging words, images, and objects to create unexpected and nonsensical combinations.<br>2. Assemblage: Creating objects and sculptures from discarded or found materials.<br>3. Performance: Using live performances, such as poetry readings, dance, and music, to challenge traditional notions of art.<br>4. Writing: Using experimental and unconventional writing styles to challenge traditional notions of literature.<br><br>Some famous Dadaist artists and writers include Marcel Duchamp, Francis Picabia, Tristan Tzara, Hannah Höch, and André Breton.

Dadaist

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Dadaist is a noun that refers to a person or a movement that is characterized by a rejection of traditional artistic and literary forms, and a emphasis on absurdity, chaos, and randomness.

Dadaistic

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Adjectival form of Dadaism, a cultural movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a rejection of traditional artistic and literary forms and conventions. Dadaistic refers to something that is surreal, absurd, and often provocative, seeking to challenge societal norms and conventions.

Dadaists

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The term "dadaists" refers to a group of early 20th-century artists and writers who rejected traditional notions of art, literature, and culture. The Dada movement, which emerged in Zurich, Switzerland in 1916, was a reaction against the brutality and senseless destruction of World War I. Dadaists sought to challenge social norms, conventions, and values by creating art that was absurd, irrational, and unconventional. Their works often featured nonsensical language, collages, and sculptures that deliberately subverted traditional notions of beauty, order, and logic. The Dada movement was influential in the development of Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and other avant-garde art movements.

Daddies

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"Daddies" is a plural noun referring to adult males who are the fathers of children. It can also be used to refer to older, experienced, or wise individuals who are considered to be like a father figure.