platyrrhinic
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Definition
Adjective: 1. Relating to New World monkeys: Describes the characteristic of having nostrils that are widely separated and facing sideways. This is a key anatomical feature distinguishing New World monkeys (platyrrhines) from Old World monkeys (catarrhines). 2. Relating to a broad nose in humans: Describes a person who has a broad or wide nose. This usage is anthropological and descriptive.
Usage Examples
- Relating to monkeys:
- The platyrrhinic skull structure is a defining feature of capuchin and howler monkeys.
- Scientists study platyrrhinic characteristics to understand primate evolution in the Americas.
- Relating to humans:
- The anthropologist noted the platyrrhinic facial features in the population.
- Some descriptive classifications in older texts might refer to platyrrhinic nasal anatomy.
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in scientific, zoological, and anthropological contexts. It is not common in everyday conversation.
- It is often used attributively to modify nouns like "monkeys," "primates," "features," or "anatomy."
Variants and Related Words
- Platyrrhine (Adjective & Noun): The more common base form. As a noun, it refers to any New World monkey.
- Platyrrhine monkeys include marmosets and spider monkeys.
- Platyrrhinian (Adjective): A direct synonym for .
- Platyrrhini (Noun): The taxonomic infraorder that includes all New World monkeys.
Synonyms
- Broad-nosed (for the human-related meaning; less scientific)
- Wide-nosed (for the human-related meaning; less scientific)
Antonyms
- Catarrhine (Adjective & Noun): Relating to or being an Old World monkey or ape (including humans), characterized by closely spaced, downward-facing nostrils.
- Leptorrhine (Adjective): Having a long, narrow nose (an anthropological term).
Adjective
- of or related to New World monkeys having nostrils far apart or to people with broad noses