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prefix (1)
prefix (2)
preform
prefrontal
prefrontal lobotomy
pregnable
pregnancy
pregnant
prehensile
prehension
prehistoric
prehistory
preignition
prejudge
prejudice
prejudicial
prelacy
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prehensile

pre·hen·sile [ pree hénss'l ]


adjective 
Definition:
 
1. able to grasp something: able to take hold of things, especially by wrapping around them
The monkey has a prehensile tail.

2. quick to understand: skilled at grasping ideas and concepts

3. aggressively eager: excessively eager for gain or profit

[Late 18th century. < French préhensile< Latin prehens-, past participle of prehendere "seize"]

pre·hen·sil·i·ty [ pr hen síllətee ] noun

Word History

The Latin word prehendere "to seize," from which prehensile is derived, is also the source of English apprehend, apprentice, comprehend, comprise, impregnable, prey, prison, reprehend, reprieve, and surprise.

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