plantigrade
/ˈplæntɪɡreɪd/
adjective
- Walking with the entire sole of the foot touching the ground, like humans, bears, and raccoons.
- Humans are plantigrade animals, which helps us stand and walk upright.
- A bear's plantigrade walk leaves footprints that look almost like a human's.
- Unlike cats, which walk on their toes, raccoons are plantigrade and press their whole foot down.
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun
- An animal that walks with the entire sole of its foot on the ground.
- Bears are plantigrades, so their tracks show a full foot and heel print.
- As a plantigrade, a skunk moves flat-footed across the forest floor.
- The zoo's new exhibit features plantigrades like badgers and hedgehogs.