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

   cursorial birds

   a cursorial skeleton

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.

From New York Times

“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.

From New York Times

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

From New York Times

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg