platyrhinian
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having a broad, flat nose with nostrils that are far apart and face outward. This term is primarily used in biological anthropology and zoology to describe a specific nasal structure.
- Of or relating to New World monkeys (platyrrhines) which are characterized by this broad-nosed feature.
Usage
- The term platyrhinian is a technical adjective. It is most commonly used in scientific contexts, such as physical anthropology, primatology, and comparative anatomy.
- It describes a physical trait (nasal shape and nostril orientation) and can be applied to both certain primate species and, in anthropological classification, to some human populations.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The anthropologist noted the platyrhinian features in the skeletal remains.
- Howler monkeys and spider monkeys are classic examples of platyrhinian primates.
- The study compared platyrhinian and leptorrhine (narrow-nosed) skull structures.
Advanced Usage
- In Taxonomic Contexts: The term is directly related to the infraorder , which encompasses all New World monkeys. Saying a species is "platyrhinian" often implies it belongs to this group.
- The discovery of the fossil helped scientists understand the migration of platyrhinian ancestors to South America.
Variants and Related Words
- Platyrrhine (adj/n): The more standard and frequently used synonym in scientific literature. It can be an adjective with the same meaning or a noun referring to a New World monkey.
- Platyrhiny (n): The noun form referring to the condition of having a broad, flat nose.
- Leptorrhine (adj): The antonym, describing a long, narrow nose with close-set nostrils.
- Mesorrhine (adj): Describing a nose of medium width.
Synonyms
- Broad-nosed
- Platyrrhine (primary synonym)
- Wide-nosed
Antonyms
- Leptorrhine (narrow-nosed)
- Catarrhine (referring to Old World monkeys and apes, which typically have narrow, downward-facing nostrils)
Adjective
-
of or related to New World monkeys having nostrils far apart or to people with broad noses
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