DEXTEROUS


Meaning of DEXTEROUS in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ adjective ]

also dex·trous ˈdek-st(ə-)rəs

Etymology: Latin dextr-, dexter on the right side, skillful

Date: 1609

1. : mentally adroit and skillful : clever

her dexterous handling of the crisis

2. : done with dexterity : artful

a dexterous maneuver

3. : skillful and competent with the hands

a dexterous surgeon

• dex·ter·ous·ly adverb

• dex·ter·ous·ness noun

Synonyms:

dexterous , adroit , deft mean ready and skilled in physical movement. dexterous implies expertness with consequent facility and quickness in manipulation

unrolled the sleeping bag with a dexterous toss

adroit implies dexterity but usually also stresses resourcefulness or artfulness or inventiveness

the magician's adroit response to the failure of her prop won applause

deft emphasizes lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling

a surgeon's deft manipulation of the scalpel

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.