cursorial

adjective

cur·​so·​ri·​al ˌkər-ˈsȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce cursorial (audio)
: adapted to or involving running

Examples of cursorial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The two primary competing theories, arboreal (tree-dropping) and cursorial (running along the ground), imply totally different lifestyles for early birds. Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2011

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin cursōrius "of running" + -al entry 1 — more at cursory

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cursorial was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near cursorial

Cite this Entry

“Cursorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cursorial. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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