primates
/prai'meiti:z/
Definition
- Noun (plural):
- An order of mammals: "Primates" is the scientific name for the biological order that includes lemurs, tarsiers, monkeys, apes, and human beings. Members of this order are characterized by large brains, forward-facing eyes for depth perception, and flexible hands and feet.
Usage
- The word "primates" is used as a plural noun to refer to the entire taxonomic group. It is commonly used in scientific, zoological, and anthropological contexts.
- Example:
- Example:
Advanced Usage
- "The primate order": A formal term for the biological classification.
- Humans belong to the primate order.
- "Primate research/cognition": Used in academic fields to specify studies focused on this group.
- Her work in primate cognition is groundbreaking.
Variants and Related Words
- Primate (singular noun):
- Refers to a single member of the order Primates.
- Example: The gorilla is an intelligent primate.
- Primatology (noun): The branch of zoology that deals with primates.
- She is pursuing a degree in primatology.
- Primatologist (noun): A scientist who studies primates.
- The primatologist observed the chimpanzees for months.
Synonyms
- Anthropoids: Often used to refer to the subgroup of primates including monkeys, apes, and humans (but not prosimians like lemurs).
- Simians: A traditional, less scientific term for monkeys and apes.
Notes on Meaning
- The term "primates" is strictly biological. In a different context, the singular "primate" can also refer to a high-ranking bishop in some Christian churches, but this is a completely separate meaning (a homograph). The animal order is always referred to in the plural form "primates" or with the singular "primate" in a zoological sense.
Noun
-
an animal order including lemurs and tarsiers and monkeys and apes and human beings
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