lemur

[ lee-mer ]

noun

1. any of various small, arboreal, chiefly nocturnal mammals of the superfamily Lemuroidea, inhabiting Madagascar and the Comoro Islands, inclusive of nearly 100 species, most of which have large eyes, a foxlike face, and woolly fur: lemurs, which vary significantly in size, include the world’s smallest primates.

lemur

/ ˈliːmə /

noun

1. any Madagascan prosimian primate of the family Lemuridae, such as Lemur catta (the ring-tailed lemur ). They are typically arboreal, having foxy faces and long tails
2. any similar or closely related animal, such as a loris or indris

Derived Forms

• ˈlemur-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• lemur·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lemur¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; from New Latin Lemur, the species name, special use of Latin lemurēs (plural) “ghosts, specters, shades of the dead,” from its nocturnal habits

Word History and Origins

Origin of lemur¹

C18: New Latin, adapted from Latin lemurēs ghosts; so named by Linnaeus for its ghost-like face and nocturnal habits

Example Sentences

Only 36 greater bamboo lemurs are in captivity globally and they are classified as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

From BBC

Further escapes and disturbing animal fatalities kept the zoo in the news, including the deaths of 30 lemurs in a fire in 2008.

From BBC

With speciation, an astonishing divergence of pollination mechanisms evolved, that exploit hawkmoths, bats and lemurs for a simple nectar reward.

From Science Daily

Scientists studying critically endangered lemurs in Madagascar confronted this difficult reality when they witnessed attacks on lemurs by another vulnerable species, a carnivore called a fosa.

From Science Daily

We also see otters navigate the busy roads of Singapore and lemurs clinging to toothbrush trees in an attempt to keep cool in rising temperatures.

From BBC

Related Words

• ape
• baboon
• chimpanzee
• gorilla
• orangutan