1. not capable of grasping or gripping; not adapted for seizing or holding objects
Usage: commonly used in zoology and biology to describe animal body parts

Examples

• The horse has a nonprehensile tail that cannot grasp branches.
• Unlike monkeys, most dogs have nonprehensile tails used only for balance and communication.
• The elephant's trunk is prehensile, while a giraffe's tail is nonprehensile.
• Nonprehensile limbs in certain primates limit their ability to manipulate objects.
• The cat's nonprehensile paws are designed for walking and climbing rather than gripping.