capuchin

American  

[kap-yoo-chin, -shin] / ˈkæp yʊ tʃɪn, -ʃɪn /

noun

1. a Central and South American monkey, Cebus capucinus, having a prehensile tail and hair on the head resembling a cowl.

2. any monkey of the genus Cebus.

3. a hooded cloak for women.

4. Also called Friar Minor Capuchin.  (initial capital letter) a friar belonging to the branch of the Franciscan order that observes vows of poverty and austerity.

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Capuchin ¹ British  

/ ˈkæpjʊtʃɪn, ˈkæpjʊʃɪn /

noun

1. 1. a friar belonging to a strict and autonomous branch of the Franciscan order founded in 1525

   2. ( as modifier )

      a Capuchin friar

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capuchin ² British  

/ -ʃɪn, ˈkæpjʊtʃɪn /

noun

1. any agile intelligent New World monkey of the genus Cebus, inhabiting forests in South America, typically having a cowl of thick hair on the top of the head

2. a woman's hooded cloak

3. (sometimes capital) a rare variety of domestic fancy pigeon

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Etymology

Origin of capuchin

1590–1600; < Middle French < Italian cappuccino, equivalent to cappucc ( io ) capuche + -ino -ine ¹

Example Sentences

The immune performance of wild capuchin monkeys declines when the animals experience higher temperatures, and younger monkeys seem to be particularly vulnerable to heat, according to a University of Michigan study.

From Science Daily • Nov. 29, 2024

Some, like the spider monkey, effortlessly swing through branches, while others, like the capuchin, display remarkable problem-solving abilities.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2023

In one famous experiment, researchers trained two capuchin monkeys to hand them tokens in exchange for a cucumber snack.

From New York Times • Oct. 19, 2023

Humans last shared a common ancestor with capuchin monkeys about 35 million years ago and with macaques about 25 million years ago, Luncz says.

From Scientific American • Mar. 10, 2023

There is no need of ceremony; in case of need, I would not hesitate to ask assistance of the capuchin fathers.

From The Betrothed From the Italian of Alessandro Manzoni by Manzoni, Alessandro