dexterity

Definition

Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French dextérité, from Latin dexteritas, from dexter (“on the right”), this is in reference to most people having greater fine motor skills in their right hand. Partially displaced native Old English handcræft, whence Modern English handcraft.

Example Sentences

• "Playing computer games can improve your manual dexterity."
• "She twirled the pencil through her fingers with impressive dexterity."
• "With mutual toil, and intuitive dexterity, we built our commodious habitation in the hollow of a mango tree, that the fruit, which was then in bloſſom, might ſubſiſt our young."

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