Primates

[prahy-mey-teez]

noun

1. the order comprising the primates.

primates

1. The order of mammals that includes monkeys, apes, and human beings. Primates are distinguished from other animals in that they generally possess limbs capable of performing a variety of functions, hands and feet adapted for grasping (including opposable thumbs), flattened snouts, and other anatomical features. (See Linnean classification.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Primates¹

1765–75; < New Latin, plural of Latin prīmās one of the first, chief, principal. See primate

Example Sentences

What's more, these fascinating primates are not naturally so open to human interaction, especially given how dangerous such contact could have been in the past.

From BBC

No one wants to think about the millions of laboratory rodents and the thousands of macaques and other primates that will be euthanized because the government has reneged on their support.

From Salon

This could be a marine version of what is known as allogrooming in primates.

From BBC

"We have what are called 'stud books' for our primates at zoos all over the world," Verrelli said.

From Salon

Looking at similarities and differences between our closest living relatives, primates, can provide clues into whether music shares a common ancestral origin.

From Salon