1. A metrical unit with stressed-unstressed-unstressed syllables
   "The word 'poetry' is an example of a dactyl"
    
2. A finger or toe in human beings or corresponding body part in other vertebrates
   "The archaeologist examined the fossilized dactyl of the ancient creature";
   - digit

Derived forms: dactyls

Type of: appendage, extremity, foot, member, metrical foot, metrical unit

Part of: craniate, vertebrate

Encyclopedia: Dactyl