Prehensile

Pronunciation: /ˈprɛn.səl/

Definitions of prehensile

adjective adapted for seizing, grasping, or taking hold of something

Example Sentences

A1 Monkeys have prehensile tails that they use to grab onto branches.

A2 Some species of snakes have prehensile tails that help them climb trees.

B1 Certain types of lizards have prehensile tongues that they use to catch insects.

B2 The prehensile nature of a chameleon's tail allows it to grasp onto various surfaces.

C1 The prehensile abilities of octopus tentacles make them highly adept at capturing prey.

C2 The prehensile appendages of a spider monkey enable it to move swiftly through the treetops.

Examples of prehensile in a Sentence

formal The prehensile tails of certain animals are used for grasping objects.

informal I wish I had a prehensile tail like a monkey, it would be so handy.

slang That guy's fingers are like prehensile tentacles, he can pick up anything!

figurative Her mind was prehensile, able to grasp complex concepts quickly.

Grammatical Forms of prehensile

• past tense: prehensiled
• plural: prehensiles
• comparative: more prehensile
• superlative: most prehensile
• present tense: prehensiles
• future tense: will prehensile
• perfect tense: has prehensiled
• continuous tense: is prehensiling
• singular: prehensile
• positive degree: prehensile
• infinitive: to prehensile
• gerund: prehensiling
• participle: prehensiling

Origin and Evolution of prehensile

First Known Use: 1758 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'prehensile' originated from the Latin word 'prehendere' which means 'to seize or grasp'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in a biological context to describe an animal's ability to grasp or hold objects with its limbs, the term 'prehensile' has evolved to also describe objects or body parts that are capable of grasping or holding onto things in a similar manner.