Prehensile

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /prɪˈhÉ›n.saɪl/
• US IPA: /priˈhÉ›nsÉ™l/

Origin

From French préhensile, from Latin perfect passive participle prehēnsus, from prehendō ("grasp, seize"), + adjective suffix -ile, from Latin -ilis.

Full definition of prehensile

Adjective

1. (zoology) Able to take hold of and clasp objects; adapted for grasping especially by wrapping around an object.Some monkeys have prehensile tails which they use to pick things up.

Derived terms

• prehensility

Related terms

• prehensive