prehensile definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

	prefect

	prefecture

	prefer

	preferable

	preferably

	preference

	preference shares

	preferential

	preferment

	preferred position

	preferred provider

	preferred provider organization

	preferred risk

	preferred stock

	prefiguration

	prefigure

	prefix (1)

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.