Dextrous

Dextrous describes someone or something remarkably skillful in using their hands or body. This skill often manifests as a precision of movement, a knack for handling objects with ease and grace, and an ability to perform complex actions with speed and accuracy. It highlights both innate talent and developed expertise, frequently used to describe people, animals, or even machinery that displays a high degree of physical proficiency in a practical or artistic context. The term implies not just competence, but also a level of finesse and coordination beyond the ordinary. This term typically refers to skill with hands, but it can extend to feet, as well.

Dextrous meaning with examples

• The surgeon's dextrous hands guided the scalpel with remarkable precision, performing the delicate operation flawlessly. Her years of training allowed for this fluid dexterity. Every movement was controlled and purposeful. The patient's life rested on her steady hands and unwavering focus. Her dextrous handling of instruments amazed the attending team.
• The magician's dextrous sleight of hand left the audience spellbound, baffled by the seemingly impossible vanishing acts and illusions. He practiced hours on end to be so dextrous with the cards and props. His ability to manipulate objects so rapidly, while maintaining a natural facade, made him a master of his craft. Each trick was perfected through relentless repetition.
• The chimpanzee demonstrated a dextrous ability to manipulate tools, using a stick to extract termites from a tight crevice with impressive accuracy. Its intelligence was coupled with impressive physical skill. This cleverness indicated a high degree of problem-solving skills. They were clearly able to think, and quickly solve complex issues.
• The watchmaker's dextrous fingers meticulously assembled the intricate components of the antique timepiece, demonstrating exceptional patience and skill. He was precise and controlled. Every screw was delicately placed, every gear perfectly aligned. His mastery of the craft was evident in every precise movement. Years of practice yielded this ability.