prehensile

pre·hen·sile

adj \prē-ˈhen(t)-səl, -ˈhen-ˌsī(-ə)l\

Definition of PREHENSILE

1

: adapted for seizing or grasping especially by wrapping around <prehensile tail>

2

: gifted with mental grasp or moral or aesthetic perception

— pre·hen·sil·i·ty \(ˌ)prē-ˌhen-ˈsi-lə-tē\ noun

Examples of PREHENSILE

1. The monkey has a prehensile tail.
2. The elephant has a prehensile trunk.

Origin of PREHENSILE

French préhensile, from Latin prehensus, past participle of prehendere to seize — more at get

First Known Use: circa 1785

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with PREHENSILE

commensal, grease pencil