grasp

grasp (http://definr.com/grasp)

     n 1: understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or
          magnitude of something; "he has a good grasp of
          accounting practices" [syn: appreciation, hold]
     2: the limit of capability; "within the compass of education"
        [syn: compass, range, reach]
     3: a firm controlling influence; "he was in the grip of a
        powerful emotion" or "a terrible power had her its grasp"
        [syn: grip]
     4: the act of grasping; "he released his clasp on my arm"; "he
        has a strong grip for an old man"; "she kept a firm hold
        on the railing" [syn: clasp, clench, clutch, clutches,
         grip, hold]
     v 1: hold firmly [syn: grip, hold on]
     2: get the meaning of something; "Do you comprehend the meaning
        of this letter?" [syn: get the picture, comprehend, savvy,
         dig, compass, apprehend]