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Glite Dictionary
cynomolgus monkey

cynomolgus monkey

7.2
A small monkey from Southeast Asia often used in medical research
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪnəˌmɔlɡəs ˈmʌŋki/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mono cangrejo
  • Scientists often choose cynomolgus monkeys for their genetic similarities to humans.

Examples

  • The laboratory used cynomolgus monkeys to test the effectiveness of the new vaccine.

  • Due to their adaptability, cynomolgus monkeys are frequently found in various regions of Southeast Asia.

  • To study MRI responses to middle ear pressure changes, the researchers introduced carbon dioxide through the eustachian tube into the middle ear space in cynomolgus monkeys.

    Academic text (2008)

Synonyms

crab-eating macaque
vscynomolgus monkey
  • Philippine
8.2

A monkey from Southeast Asia that often eats crabs and lives near rivers

is the species used widely in medical research rather than noted for diet

Surface Forms

cynomolgus monkey singular
cynomolgus monkeys plural

Morphology

cynomolgus + monkey

The noun phrase follows a clear modifier+noun pattern so a learner who knows the constituents can infer it refers to a kind or species of monkey (i.e., a monkey of the 'cynomolgus' type). However, 'cynomolgus' is a technical species epithet with no transparent everyday meaning, so the specific biological/geographic/research connotations are not predictable from the parts.

Etymology

Cynomolgus monkey is a scientific name, but a useful picture is its other name, the 'crab-eating macaque'—think of a long-tailed monkey searching mud and rocks for crabs. So cynomolgus monkey now means that small, long-tailed monkey often used in medical research.