dex·ter·ous

(dĕk′stər-əs, -strəs) also dex·trous (-strəs)

adj.

1. Skillful in the use of the hands.

2. Having mental skill or adroitness.

3. Done with dexterity: a dexterous maneuver.

[From Latin dexter, skillful; see dexter.]

dex′ter·ous·ly adv.

dex′ter·ous·ness n.

Synonyms: dexterous, deft, adroit, handy, nimble
These adjectives refer to skill and ease in performance. Dexterous implies physical or mental agility: dexterous fingers; a dexterous debater.
Deft suggests quickness, sureness, neatness, and lightness of touch: deft strokes; a deft turn of phrase.
Adroit implies ease and natural skill, especially in challenging situations: an adroit skier; an adroit negotiator.
Handy suggests a more modest aptitude, principally in manual work: handy with tools.
Nimble stresses quickness and lightness in physical or mental performance: nimble feet; nimble wits.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

dexterousness

noun

1. The quality or state of being mentally agile:

agileness, agility, dexterity, nimbleness, quickness.

2. Skillfulness in the use of the hands or body:

adroitness, deftness, dexterity, prowess, skill, sleight.

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References in periodicals archive

Even though there exists such literature demonstrating the benefits of floor cleaning robots, the conventional floor cleaning robots suffer from serious performance issues that curtain their full potential dexterousness. One major factor attributing to their performance loss is their inability to access staircases that form the integral part of almost every built infrastructure.

Design of sTetro: A Modular, Reconfigurable, and Autonomous Staircase Cleaning Robot

Abram's exploit in Egypt accentuates his dexterousness. If he could fool the Pharaoh of Egypt, one of the wise and powerful leaders of the ancient world, then who could stand up against him?

Matangi Teka (Wind Shift): reading the commission of Abram from Pasifika

"Over two years, we grew STC to 30,000 s/f in the tower, representing both the ownership and the tenant," recalled Leon, noting that a combination of ownership dexterousness and the building's own striking spaces resulted in an ongoing campaign to reconfigure square footage at the building to suit tenant expansion.

Leon making his mark with new NKF team

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