cursorial

adjective

cur·​so·​ri·​al ˌkər-ˈsȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce cursorial (audio)
: adapted to or involving running

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The two primary competing theories, arboreal (tree-dropping) and cursorial (running along the ground), imply totally different lifestyles for early birds. —Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cursorial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin cursōrius "of running" + -al entry 1 — more at cursory

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cursorial was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near cursorial

Cursoria

cursorial

Cursorius

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Cursorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cursorial. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

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