The crossword solution for the term LEAD-IN TO DACTYL is PTERO, which is a five letter word. PTERO is a Greek root word meaning 'WING' or 'FEATHER'. It is commonly used as a lead-in to the word dactyl, which is a poetic meter consisting of one long syllable followed by two short syllables. Therefore, PTERO is an appropriate lead-in to dactyl as it references the idea of wings and flight, which is often associated with poetry.