cursorial

[kur-sawr-ee-uhl, -sohr-]

adjective

Zoology.

1. adapted for running, as the feet and skeleton of dogs, horses, etc.

2. having limbs adapted for running, as certain birds, insects, etc.

cursorial

/ kɜːˈsɔːrɪəl /

adjective

1. zoology adapted for running

   a cursorial skeleton

   cursorial birds

Word History and Origins

Origin of cursorial¹

1830–40; < Late Latin cursōri ( us ) of running ( cursory ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Like most cursorial species, or animals that run, including dogs and horses, we have a well-developed nuchal ligament, a tissue that connects the skull and neck.

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“Wolves have really been touted as the best type of animal to remove infected deer, because they are cursorial — they chase their prey and they look for the weak ones,” said Ms. Brandell.

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Humans and dogs became the designated cursorial, or distance running, species.

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New Zealand has no indigenous mammalia, but in their place great cursorial birds with but rudimentary wings.

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As yet, the hyracodonts have been found only in North America, and the last genus of the series, Hyracodon, was a cursorial animal.

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