adj.
Pronunciation: pr ē - ' hen(t)-s ə l, - ' hen- ˌ s ī (- ə )l
Function: adjective
Etymology: French préhensile, from Latin prehensus, past participle of prehendere to seize ― more at GET
Date: circa 1785
1 : adapted for seizing or grasping especially by wrapping around < prehensile tail>
2 : gifted with mental grasp or moral or aesthetic perception
– pre · hen · sil · i · ty \ ( ˌ )pr ē - ˌ hen- ' si-l ə -t ē \ noun