noun
primate
PRY-mayt/ˈpraɪmeɪt/
A mammal belonging to the group that includes humans, apes, monkeys, and lemurs.
The capuchin is a primate with grasping hands that hold the branch securely.
Etymology
The title “one of the first rank” became an animal-group name because these mammals were regarded as the “highest” order. The name thus reflects a historical ranking of animals.
In context
chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans together are more closely related to each other than they are to other primate species, like the African and Asian monkeys.
More examples
- Humans are primates, just like chimpanzees and gorillas.
- Many primates live in trees and eat fruit.
- The researchers study how this primate communicates with others.
Forms
primate · primates
primatology noun — The scientific study of primates.