prehensile definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

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.