1. the act of grasping or seizing something
Usage: formal; technical
2. mental understanding or comprehension of something
Usage: formal; literary

Examples

• The monkey’s prehension allowed it to swing effortlessly from branch to branch.
• Human prehension involves the coordinated use of fingers and thumb.
• The patient’s prehension was impaired after the stroke.
• His prehension of complex mathematical concepts was remarkable.
• The philosopher’s prehension of reality differed from conventional thinking.
• Infants develop prehension skills gradually during their first year.