View synonyms for prehension

prehension

[ pri-hen-shuhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the act of seizing or grasping.
mental apprehension.

prehension

/ prɪˈhɛnʃən /

noun

the act of grasping
apprehension by the senses or the mind

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Word History and Origins

Origin of prehension¹

1525–35; < Latin prehēnsiōn- (stem of prehēnsiō ) a taking hold, equivalent to prehēns ( us ) (past participle of prehendere to seize, equivalent to pre- pre- + -hendere to grasp; akin to get ) + -iōn- -ion

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Example Sentences

Upon this emancipation followed the liberation of jaws and mouth from their use as organs of prehension.

From Project Gutenberg

The trophi serve merely for the prehension of prey, and not for mastication.

From Project Gutenberg

It is wonderful, and passing wonder, how teachable and quick of perception and prehension is Nature in the studio of Art.

From Project Gutenberg

The extensions of the body-substance which are put forth by the Rhizopoda at will, and which serve for locomotion and prehension.

From Project Gutenberg

Having for its function the narrowing of the orifice it surrounds, it acts during suction and in the prehension of food.

From Project Gutenberg

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prehensile prehistoric

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