simian

[ sim-ee-uhn ]

noun

1. any of the monkeys or apes, classified into two subdivisions, the platyrrhines (New World monkeys) and the catarrhines (Old World monkeys and apes, including humans). haplorhine.
2. Disparaging and Offensive. (used as a slur against a member of a racial or ethnic minority group, especially a Black person.)

adjective

1. of or relating to any of the monkeys or apes.
2. characteristic of apes or monkeys:

   long, simian fingers.

3. Disparaging and Offensive. (used to describe a member of a racial or ethnic minority group, especially a Black person.)

simian

/ ˈsɪmɪən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a monkey or ape Also (rare)simiousˈsɪmɪəs

noun

1. a monkey or ape

simian

/ sĭm′ē-ən /

Adjective

1. Resembling or characteristic of apes or monkeys.

Noun

1. An ape or monkey. Ther term simian is no longer used in scientific contexts.
2. Compare prosimian

Sensitive Note

See simianization.

Other Words From

• sim·i·an·i·ty [sim-ee-, an, -i-tee], noun
• sub·sim·i·an adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of simian¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin sīmi(a) “an ape,” probably from the Greek nickname and personal name Sīmiās (derivative of sīmus “flat-nosed, snub-nosed,” from Greek sīmós ) + -an adjective suffix; -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of simian¹

C17: from Latin sīmia an ape, probably from sīmus flat-nosed, from Greek sīmos

Example Sentences

Athapol said people shouldn’t see monkeys as villians, saying that the authorities might have not been efficient enough in their work to control the simian population.

From Seattle Times

Waze, on the other hand, is a clear and present danger to every pedestrian, equestrian, simian and median on the planet.

From Los Angeles Times

The simian ones came from field recordings made as part of previous research.

From Science Daily

Millions of years ago, a simian ancestor of humanity decided to climb a tree.

From New York Times

Delhi has a huge monkey population and authorities hope these steps will keep the simians from disrupting the summit.

From BBC