Dexterous
/ˈdɛk.stə.rəs/noun
Showing skill, especially with the hands.
Did you know?The term "dexterous" originates from the Latin word 'dexter', meaning 'right', which was associated with skill and good fortune, linking right-handedness to divine favor.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deḱs-
“to be right, favorable, or skillful.”
Latin
Latin
dexter
“right, on the right side; skillful.”
Old French
Old French
destre
“skillful, expert.”
Middle English
Middle English
dexterous
“skillful, especially in the use of hands.”
Modern English
English
dexterous
“highly skilled, adept in physical tasks.”