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primatea mammal of an order that includes humans, apes, and monkeys

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a mammal of an order that includes humans, apes, and monkeys

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpraɪmeɪt/

Example Sentences

  • The zoo's primate house was buzzing with visitors watching the playful monkeys having a banana eating contest.
  • Scientists study primate communication to understand the evolution of human language.
  • The documentary showed how primates use tools, making viewers realize that humans aren't the only clever species on Earth.

primate

NOUN

[/ˈpraɪmeɪt/]

a mammal of an order that includes humans, apes, and monkeys

A gorilla, a primate, peels a banana while its baby watches curiously.
💡 Concept

A gorilla, a primate, peels a banana while its baby watches curiously.

Prim ape hosts fancy tea party with fellow primates
🧠 Mnemonic

Prim ape hosts fancy tea party with fellow primates

The primate scientist works to estimate our changing climate!
🎵 Rhyme

The primate scientist works to estimate our changing climate!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈpraɪmeɪt/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈpraɪmeɪt/

🌳Etymology

Rootprim-
Suffix--ate

Origin

From Latin 'primas' meaning 'first' or 'principal,' originally used to describe the chief bishop of a church. In the 18th century, scientists adopted the term to classify humans, apes, and monkeys as the 'first' or most advanced order of mammals.

Breakdown

prim- (first, chief) + -ate (noun suffix indicating rank or office)

🎵Rhyme

climateestimateultimate
climate
estimate
ultimate

🔗Collocations

primate species
primate behavior
primate research
non-human primates
primate evolution
endangered primates

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The zoo's primate house was buzzing with visitors watching the playful monkeys having a banana eating contest.

Scientists study primate communication to understand the evolution of human language.

The documentary showed how primates use tools, making viewers realize that humans aren't the only clever species on Earth.

😄 Fun example

The baby primate refused to let go of its teddy bear, proving that even monkeys need comfort toys.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

apemonkeysimiananthropoid

Antonyms

lower mammalinvertebrate

Related

mammalevolutionanthropologyzoologyspecies

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