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Glite Dictionary
lion monkey

lion monkey

8.1
A small South American monkey with soft fur, a golden mane, and a long tail
  • noun
  • /ˈlaɪən ˈmʌŋki/
translation icon : mono león
  • The lion monkey is easily recognized by its golden mane and expressive face.

Examples

  • Many lion monkeys live in the Amazon rainforest.

  • Conservationists are working to protect the habitat of the endangered lion monkey.

  • A group of lion monkeys was spotted swinging through the rainforest canopy.

  • The lion monkey is known for its unique mane.

  • A group of lion monkeys was spotted swinging through the rainforest canopy.

  • The lion monkey is easily recognized by its golden mane and expressive face.

  • Conservationists are working to protect the habitat of the endangered lion monkey.

Synonyms

marmoset
vslion monkey
5 7.8

A very small monkey from Central and South America with soft fur and claws instead of nails

focuses on the particular form with silky fur long tail and mane
tamarin
vslion monkey
1 8.6

A small monkey from South America with soft fur and a long tail

is a specific type noted for its mane-like appearance rather than family membership
lion marmoset
vslion monkey
1 9.9

A small South American monkey with silky fur and a mane of hair around its face

emphasizes the overall mane-like appearance rather than just facial hair
leoncita
vslion monkey
9.9

A small South American monkey with soft fur and a long tail for balance

emphasizes the mane-like appearance that separates it from plain forms

Surface Forms

lion monkey singular
lion monkeys plural

Morphology

lion + monkey

The meaning (a monkey with a mane-like, lion-like appearance) is directly and transparently derived from combining 'lion' (noting mane/appearance) with 'monkey' (a primate), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer the referent. This is a straightforward descriptive compound naming an animal, a cross-linguistically common pattern, so transparency is high.

Etymology

Lion monkey gets its name from the animal's mane-like fur. The golden ruff makes it look a little like a small lion, even though it is a monkey, so the name helps you picture this 'small monkey' with a lion-like mane.