Prehensile

usgb/prɪˈhensl/
adjective

Able to grab and hold objects, using a part of the body.

Monkeys have prehensile tails which they use to swing from trees.
Visual representation of "prehensile" - Able to grab and hold objects, using a part of the body.

Often appears as...

  • prehensile tail
  • prehensile feet
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Visual representation of "prehensile"
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Zoological Term

Mostly used in zoology to describe animals that can grab objects, like monkeys or possums.

Illustration for Zoological Term
Opossums use their prehensile tails to hang onto branches.
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Body Parts

Refers to specific body parts adapted for grasping or holding, not just any part.

Illustration for Body Parts
Elephants have prehensile trunks used for manipulating objects.
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Not Human

Rarely used for humans, even though we can grasp because it implies a specialized adaptation.

Illustration for Not Human
While humans have dexterous hands, they aren't typically described as prehensile.
Visual representation of the word "Prehensile"

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