hamadryas

/ ˌhæməˈdraɪəs /

noun

1. a baboon, Papio (or Comopithecus ) hamadryas, of Arabia and NE Africa, having long silvery hair on the head, neck, and chest: regarded as sacred by the ancient Egyptians: family Cercopithecidae Also calledhamadryas baboonsacred baboon

Word History and Origins

Origin of hamadryas¹

C19: via New Latin from Latin; see hamadryad

Example Sentences

Thoth, the god of learning and wisdom was represented by a hamadryas baboon.

From Science Daily

Whatever the reason for their devotion to this species, ancient Egyptians went to great lengths to acquire living hamadryas baboons.

From Scientific American

A great strength of our result is that it puts Punt within the natural distribution of P. hamadryas.

From Scientific American

As we move forward, it would be useful to examine the morning behaviors and melanization patterns of hamadryas baboons and to see whether they support the hypothesis that this species is especially dependent on the morning sun.

From Scientific American

Hamadryas baboons live in arid habitats across the Horn of Africa and parts of Arabia.

From Scientific American