fine motor skill — Small muscle movements that require precise coordination, typically involving the hands and fingers
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: Small muscle movements that require precise coordination, typically involving the hands and fingers
Pronunciation (IPA): /faɪn ˈmoʊtər skɪl/
Example Sentences
- The toddler's fine motor skills improved dramatically after playing with building blocks for months.
- My fine motor skills are so bad that I can't even text without autocorrect fixing my typos.
- Surgeons need exceptional fine motor skills to perform delicate operations.
fine motor skill
NOUN[/faɪn ˈmoʊtər skɪl/]
Small muscle movements that require precise coordination, typically involving the hands and fingers

Small muscle movements that require precise coordination, typically involving the hands and fingers

Fine motor skills bloom as she builds with motor parts while the rotor spins!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Fine derives from Latin 'finis' (end, boundary), evolving to mean 'refined' or 'precise' through the sense of something brought to a fine point. Motor comes from Latin 'movere' (to move), forming the basis for movement-related terms. Skill originates from Old Norse 'skil' (distinction, discernment), eventually meaning competence or ability.
Breakdown
fine (from Latin finis, meaning refined/precise) + motor (from Latin movere, meaning movement) + skill (from Old Norse skil, meaning ability/competence). The compound describes physical movements requiring precision and control.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The toddler's fine motor skills improved dramatically after playing with building blocks for months.”
“My fine motor skills are so bad that I can't even text without autocorrect fixing my typos.”
“Surgeons need exceptional fine motor skills to perform delicate operations.”
“Playing video games actually helped improve his fine motor skills, much to his parents' surprise.”
📚Related Words
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