dextrous (adj.)

1620s, alternative spelling of dexterous; this version is more conformable to Latin but less common in English.

Entries linking to dextrous

c. 1600, "convenient, suitable" (a sense now obsolete), formed in English from Latin dexter "skillful" (from PIE root *deks- "right, opposite of left; south") + -ous. Sense of "deft or nimble with the hands, quick and precise in action" is from 1630s. Meaning "mentally skillful, clever" is from 1620s. Related: Dexterously; dexterousness.

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updated on November 12, 2012

Definitions of dextrous from WordNet

dextrous (adj.)

skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands;

Synonyms: deft / dexterous

From wordnet.princeton.edu, not affiliated with etymonline.

Dictionary entries near dextrous

dexterity

dexterous

dextral

dextro-

dextrose

dextrous

dey

dharma

*dhe-

*dhe(i)-

*dheigh-