rhesus monkey
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Definition
Noun: A small, brownish-gray monkey (Macaca mulatta) native to southern Asia. It is widely used in biological and medical research.
Usage
The term "rhesus monkey" is used to specifically identify this species of Old World monkey. It functions as a countable noun. * The laboratory acquired several rhesus monkeys for the study. * A key discovery in immunology came from research on the rhesus monkey.
Examples
- Rhesus monkeys are common in parts of India and China.
- Scientists observed the social behavior of a troop of rhesus monkeys.
- The rhesus monkey is a crucial model organism in neuroscience.
Advanced Usage
The term is often used in scientific and medical contexts. Its name is the source of the "Rh factor" in human blood types (Rhesus factor), which was first identified in this species. * The rhesus monkey model was instrumental in developing the polio vaccine.
Variants and Related Words
- Rhesus macaque: A more formal taxonomic name for the same species.
- Macaque: The broader genus () to which the rhesus monkey belongs.
Synonyms
- Rhesus macaque (scientific synonym)
- Macaca mulatta (taxonomic name)
Related Phrases
- Rh factor / Rhesus factor: A blood group antigen, named for the rhesus monkey in which it was first studied.
- Her blood test showed she was Rh negative.
Noun
- of southern Asia; used in medical research