prehensile
|pre-hen-sile|
/prɪˈhɛn.səl/
able to grasp
Etymology
'prehensile' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'prehensilis', from the verb 'prehendere', where 'prehend-' meant 'to grasp' or 'to seize'.
'prehensile' came from Latin 'prehensilis' and was borrowed into English (via New/Scientific Latin) in the 17th century as 'prehensile'.
Initially it meant 'able to grasp physically' (literal sense); over time it also acquired a figurative meaning of 'capable of being mentally grasped' (understandable).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
adapted for grasping or capable of grasping (used of an animal's limb, tail, or similar organ).
The monkey used its prehensile tail to hold onto the branch while reaching for fruit.
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Adjective 2
figuratively, readily grasped by the mind; easily comprehensible or capable of being mentally grasped.
The professor presented the theory in a prehensile way, so students could follow the main ideas.
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Last updated: 2025/12/31 03:10