genus Loris

9.9

A group of small primates that move slowly and live in trees at night in southern and southeast Asia

noun
/ˈdʒɛnəs ˈlɔrɪs/

Specialized

: género Loris

The genus Loris contains small, nocturnal primates known for their large eyes and slow movements.

Examples

Zoologists debated the classification of species within the genus Loris after new fossils were found.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting habitats suitable for members of the genus Loris.
The genus Loris includes several unique species.
Did you know that the genus Loris is nocturnal?
The genus Loris contains small, nocturnal primates known for their large eyes and slow movements.
Zoologists debated the classification of species within the genus Loris after new fossils were found.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting habitats suitable for members of the genus Loris.

Surface Forms

genus Loris singular

genera Loris plural

Morphology

genus + loris

The meaning is directly compositional: 'genus' (a biological rank) combined with 'Loris' (a primate name) denotes the taxonomic category containing Loris species. This follows standard scientific naming patterns (e.g. genus Homo), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the meaning even if the term is technical.

Etymology

Genus Loris uses the Latin word genus meaning 'kind' or 'group' and the name Loris, which sailors long ago used for a small, slow, clumsy primate they found in Asia. So genus Loris literally labels the 'group' of those slow-moving primates, and that is why scientists use it for this type of animal.