sloth-monkey

A sloth-monkey hangs from a tree branch in the rainforest.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of primate: "sloth-monkey" refers to a slow-moving, arboreal primate of the family Lorisidae, also known as a loris or slow loris. It is characterized by its deliberate, cautious movements and large eyes adapted for nocturnal activity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sloth-monkey moved slowly through the branches, searching for insects. (The loris moved carefully in the trees at night.)
  • In the zoo, we saw a sloth-monkey clinging to a branch with its strong grip. (The loris was holding onto a tree limb.)

Advanced Usage

• "sloth-monkey" as a colloquial term: In informal contexts, "sloth-monkey" may be used to describe a person who is very slow or lazy, likening them to the animal's deliberate pace.
  • Don't be such a sloth-monkey; hurry up and finish your chores! (Don't be so slow and lazy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sloth: (noun) a slow-moving mammal of the order Pilosa, known for hanging from trees and moving very slowly.

  • The sloth slept for most of the day. (The sloth is a different animal from the sloth-monkey or loris.)

• Monkey: (noun) a small to medium-sized primate, typically with a long tail and active, playful behavior.

  • The monkey chattered loudly in the tree. (Monkeys are generally faster and more energetic than sloth-monkeys.)

Synonyms

• Loris: the scientific or common name for the animal called "sloth-monkey."

  • The loris is native to Southeast Asia. (The loris is the same animal as the sloth-monkey.)

• Slow loris: a specific type of loris with very slow movements.

  • The slow loris has a venomous bite. (The slow loris is a subtype of sloth-monkey.)

Related Idioms

• "Slow as a sloth": an idiom meaning extremely slow.
  • He's as slow as a sloth when it comes to getting ready in the morning. (He is very slow and deliberate.)