tarsier
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A small, nocturnal, arboreal primate native to parts of Southeast Asia, characterized by extremely large eyes, long fingers and toes with adhesive pads, and a diet consisting exclusively of animal prey.
Usage
The word "tarsier" is used to refer specifically to this unique type of primate. It is a countable noun. * The tarsier is known for its ability to rotate its head nearly 180 degrees. * Researchers are studying the communication methods of the Philippine tarsier. * We were lucky to spot two tarsiers in the forest during the night walk.
Advanced Usage
- As a taxonomic reference: The word is often used in scientific and zoological contexts to discuss members of the family Tarsiidae.
- Fossil evidence suggests the tarsier lineage is very ancient.
Variants and Related Words
- Tarsiidae (n): The biological family name to which all tarsier species belong.
Synonyms
- Primate: A broader term for the order of mammals that includes tarsiers, lemurs, monkeys, apes, and humans.
- Prosimian: A traditional suborder of primates that includes tarsiers, lemurs, and lorises, though modern taxonomy sometimes reclassifies tarsiers separately.
Different Meanings
The word "tarsier" has a single, specific zoological meaning and is not commonly used in other contexts. It does not have phrasal verbs or idioms associated with it.
Noun
- nocturnal arboreal primate of Indonesia and the Philippines having huge eyes and digits ending in pads to facilitate climbing; the only primate that spurns all plant material as food living entirely on insects and small vertebrates