Prehensile (adjective)

Having the ability to grasp or hold.

Origin:

Late middle english (in the sense "able to take hold"): from late latin prehens- "seized", from the verb prehendere.

Examples:

1. Monkeys have long, prehensile tails.
2. The baby bird's beak was not yet strong enough to crack open its own food, but its prehensile tongue was quick and nimble.
3. The prehensile claws of the cat enabled it to hold onto a branch as it swung from tree to tree.
4. The lizard's tail was prehensile and it used it to grasp onto objects for stability.
5. The chimp's prehensile feet were perfect for climbing trees and finding food.