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platyrrhinian

platyrrhinian

9.9
A monkey from Central or South America with wide nostrils and a tail that can hold things
  • noun
  • /ˌplætɪˈrɪniən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mono platirrino
  • Spider monkeys are a well-known type of platyrrhinian found in South America.

Examples

  • Researchers observed the feeding habits of various platyrrhinians in the rainforest canopy.

  • The main difference between a platyrrhinian and a catarrhine monkey lies in the shape and position of their nostrils.

  • The platyrrhinian species are fascinating to study.

  • I saw a platyrrhinian monkey at the zoo.

  • Many platyrrhinians use their prehensile tails to swing between branches in the trees.

  • The platyrrhinian species, such as howler monkeys, are known for their distinctive vocalizations.

  • In Central America, scientists study the behaviors and habitats of various platyrrhinians to understand their ecology.

Synonyms

New World monkey
vsplatyrrhinian
  • US
1 5.9

A monkey from Central and South America with a flat nose and often a tail that can hold things

is a narrower technical term stressing nose shape and prehensile tail
platyrrhine
vsplatyrrhinian
  • Specialized
9.9

A monkey from Central and South America with a broad, flat nose and a tail that can hold things

is the equivalent noun-form scientific name for the same group

Surface Forms

platyrrhinian singular

Morphology

platyrrhinian = platyrrhine (opaque) = platy + rrhin + ian

Derivation from the base noun/adjective 'platyrrhine' by adding '-ian' is a regular nominal/ adjectival formation.

Etymology

Platyrrhinian is named from the Greek parts platy- 'broad' and -rrhin- 'nose', as in rhino, so it literally means a 'broad-nosed' New World monkey with widely separated nostrils.