orang-utan

An orang-utan swings from branch to branch in the rainforest.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, long-armed ape: "orang-utan" refers to a great ape native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, known for its reddish-brown hair, long arms, and high intelligence. It is an arboreal primate, meaning it spends most of its time in trees.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The orang-utan is an endangered species due to deforestation. (This great ape is at risk of extinction because of forest loss.)
  • We saw a mother orang-utan carrying her baby through the canopy. (We observed a female ape with her offspring moving among the branches.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be as clever as an orang-utan": a simile meaning to be highly intelligent or resourceful.
  • He solved the puzzle quickly — he is as clever as an orang-utan. (He showed great intelligence, comparable to the problem-solving skills of this ape.)

Variants and Related Words

• Orang-utan (also spelled orangutan or orang-utang): the same word with minor spelling variations.

  • The scientific name for the orang-utan is Pongo pygmaeus. (The formal Latin name for this species.)

• Orangutan (n): a common alternative spelling, used interchangeably.

  • Orangutans are known for their solitary lifestyle. (These apes typically live alone.)

Synonyms

• Great ape: a broader term for large, tailless primates, including gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and orang-utans.
• Red ape: a descriptive synonym based on the orang-utan's reddish fur.

Related Idioms

• "to go ape": (informal) to become very excited or angry, sometimes used in connection with primates metaphorically.
  • The crowd went ape when the band came on stage. (The audience became extremely enthusiastic.)
• "to monkey around": (informal) to play or behave in a silly way, not directly related but often associated with primate behaviour.
  • Stop monkeying around and get back to work. (Stop wasting time.)