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Glite Dictionary
Nycticebus pygmaeus

Nycticebus pygmaeus

9.9
A small, thick-bodied animal from southeast Asia that is active at night called the pygmy slow loris
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : loris lento pigmeo
  • The Nycticebus pygmaeus is threatened by habitat loss and illegal pet trade.

Examples

  • Researchers observed the nocturnal behavior of Nycticebus pygmaeus in the wild.

  • Nycticebus pygmaeus is a small primate that is often seen clinging to tree branches at night.

  • Nycticebus pygmaeus is distinguished by its large eyes and slow movements.

  • The Nycticebus pygmaeus is known for its large eyes.

  • Have you ever seen a Nycticebus pygmaeus in the wild?

  • In the forests of southeastern Asia, Nycticebus pygmaeus moves slowly and gracefully among the leaves.

  • Due to its nocturnal nature, Nycticebus pygmaeus is more active after sunset when it searches for insects.

Surface Forms

Nycticebus pygmaeus singular

Morphology

Nycticebus + pygmaeus

This is a Linnaean binomial combining the genus name Nycticebus (slow-moving primates) with the specific epithet pygmaeus (Latin-derived 'pygmy' or 'small'); if a learner knows both constituents, the label literally means a small Nycticebus (pygmy slow loris). Although 'pygmaeus' is not in the supplied dictionary entry, its meaning is directly compositional and matches the given definition, so the MWE is transparent to someone who knows the parts.

Etymology

Nycticebus pygmaeus may come from old words meaning 'night' and 'small', with Nycticebus giving the idea of a 'night monkey' and pygmaeus meaning 'small'. So the name paints a clear picture of a 'small night monkey', which fits this tiny, slow, big-eyed primate that is active at night.