Digitate

Definition

Having finger-like or digit-like projections; divided into slender, parallel, finger-shaped lobes or segments that arise from a common base. In arthropods, describes appendages, processes, or body regions bearing multiple elongated, cylindrical projections resembling fingers or digits.

Etymology

Latin digitatus, from digitus (finger)

Example

Male dobsonflies (Corydalidae) possess conspicuously digitate mandibular extensions used in combat and mate recognition; some harvestmen (Opiliones) exhibit digitate tarsal segments with multiple slender branches.

Synonyms

• digitiform

Related Terms

• palpate
• ramose
• pectinate
• Lamellate
• Flabellate
• bipectinate
• antenna
• Tarsus
• clasper

Usage Notes

Contrasts with simple (undivided), pectinate (comb-like with lateral teeth), and lamellate (plate-like) forms. Specialists reserve digitate for projections that are roughly cylindrical and finger-like in three dimensions, not merely flattened lobes; the term implies independent mobility or at least structural autonomy of each projection. In insect antennae, digitate segments are thicker and more discrete than the thin branches of plumose or bipectinate types.