lemur
Noun: 1. A type of primate: A lemur is a mammal belonging to the infraorder Lemuriformes. They are native only to the island of Madagascar and are characterized by their large, reflective eyes, fox-like faces, and long, often bushy tails. They are primarily arboreal (tree-dwelling) and nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).
The word "lemur" is used to refer to any species within this specific group of primates. It is a countable noun. - The lemur is an endangered species due to habitat loss. - We saw several lemurs leaping through the rainforest canopy. - The ring-tailed lemur is one of the most recognizable species.
- As a taxonomic group: The term is used scientifically to refer to the infraorder Lemuriformes.
- Lemurs represent a unique branch of primate evolution isolated on Madagascar.
- In conservation context: Often used when discussing biodiversity and extinction threats.
- Protecting the remaining forest is crucial for the lemur's survival.
- Lemuriform (adj): Relating to or characteristic of lemurs.
- The skeleton showed distinct lemuriform traits.
- Lemuroid (adj/noun): Resembling a lemur; or an animal of the lemur group.
- Some early primates had a lemuroid appearance.
- Prosimian: A broader biological term for a group of primates that includes lemurs, lorises, and tarsiers. (Note: "Lemur" is a specific type of prosimian.)
- Lemurs, lorises, and bushbabies are all prosimians.
(There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically using the word "lemur." It is primarily a scientific/zoological term.)
- large-eyed arboreal prosimian having foxy faces and long furry tails