gracile

[gras-il]

adjective

1. gracefully slender.

2. slender; thin.

gracile

/ ˈɡræsaɪl, ɡræˈsɪlɪtɪ /

adjective

1. gracefully thin or slender

2. a less common word for graceful

Other Word Forms

• gracility noun
• gracileness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gracile¹

First recorded in 1615–25, gracile is from the Latin word gracilis slender, slight, thin

Word History and Origins

Origin of gracile¹

C17: from Latin gracilis slender

Example Sentences

Judging from its unique adaptations, this was a particularly gracile and innovative predator that possessed clawed digits primed for pouncing onto the backs of larger animals.

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Bamforth also noted that the hand was "relatively slender and gracile" and may have mimicked the arm and hand of a small adult or adolescent.

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This "big toe" is not only more gracile in chimpanzees, but it curves toward the other toes enabling a greater flexing motion.

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One gracile young warrior, who some researchers had previously speculated might be female, turned out to be male.

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Brazil’s top star, Neymar, is a gracile wisp of murder, and France’s squad is, on paper, mercilessly stacked.

Read more on The New Yorker

Related Words

• delicate 
• fragile 
• frail 
• lanky 
• lithe 
• meager 
• narrow 
• skinny 
• slight 
• slim 
• svelte 
• wiry 
• wispy