Dictionary
dexterous
adjective dex·ter·ous \ˈdek-st(ə-)rəs\
: having or showing great skill or cleverness : showing dexterity
Full Definition of DEXTEROUS
1
: mentally adroit and skillful : clever <her dexterous handling of the crisis>
3
: skillful and competent with the hands <a dexterous surgeon>
— dex·ter·ous·ly adverb
— dex·ter·ous·ness noun
See dexterous defined for English-language learners
See dexterous defined for kids
Variants of DEXTEROUS
dex·ter·ous also dex·trous \ˈdek-st(ə-)rəs\
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Origin of DEXTEROUS
Latin dextr-, dexter on the right side, skillful
First Known Use: 1609
Related to DEXTEROUS
- Antonyms
- butterfingered, ham-fisted, ham-handed, handless, heavy-handed, unhandy
Synonym Discussion of DEXTEROUS
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>.
DEXTROUS Defined for Kids
dexterous
adjective dex·ter·ous \ˈdek-stə-rəs, -strəs\
Definition of DEXTEROUS for Kids
1
: skillful with the hands <a dexterous potter>
2
: clever 2 <a dexterous chess player>
3
: done with skill <The skier made a dexterous jump.>
— dex·ter·ous·ly adverb
Medical Dictionary
dexterous
adjective dex·ter·ous
Medical Definition of DEXTEROUS
1
: skillful and competent with the hands
2
: mentally adroit and skillful
—dex·ter·ous·ly adverb
—dex·ter·ous·ness noun
Variants of DEXTEROUS
dex·ter·ous also dex·trous \ˈdek-st(ə-)rəs\
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