prehensile

/pɹɪˈhɛn.saɪl/

UK: /pɹiːˈhɛn.saɪl/

PɹꞮHƐN · saɪl (2 syllables)

English Adj

Definition

Able to take hold of and clasp objects; adapted for grasping especially by wrapping around an object.

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

"Some monkeys have prehensile tails which they use to pick things up."