Primates

[ prahy-mey-teez ]

noun

1. the order comprising the primates.

primates

1. The order of mammals that includes monkeys, apes, and human beings. Primates are distinguished from other animals in that they generally possess limbs capable of performing a variety of functions, hands and feet adapted for grasping (including opposable thumbs ), flattened snouts, and other anatomical features. ( See Linnean classification .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Primates¹

1765–75; < New Latin, plural of Latin prīmās one of the first, chief, principal. See primate

Example Sentences

The permit also enables her to sell exotic animals through her business Primarily Primates, LLC.

From Los Angeles Times

Action for Primates, a UK-based advocacy project, assisted police in the investigation.

From BBC

Given up for adoption, Rachel eventually found herself at New York University’s Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Surgery in Primates, where she stayed for more than 15 years.

From Salon

Primates, including humans, have larger brains than most other mammals, but why?

From Science Daily

"Primates have particular welfare needs that cannot be met by keeping them as a household pet and this legislation seeks to end this practice."

From BBC