potto

[ pot-oh ]

noun

, plural pot·tos.

1. a small arboreal mammal, Perodictus potto, in the loris family, similar in appearance and behavior to the kinkajou and olingo: classified as the sole species in its genus, but its subspecies are significantly varied.

potto

/ ˈpɒtəʊ /

noun

1. a short-tailed prosimian primate, Perodicticus potto, having vertebral spines protruding through the skin in the neck region, native to tropical forests in West and Central Africa: family Lorisidae
2. See angwantibo
   golden potto
   golden potto another name for angwantibo
3. See kinkajou
   another name for kinkajou

Word History and Origins

Origin of potto¹

First recorded in 1760–70; from a Niger-Congo language, perhaps Wolof pata “tailless monkey,” or Twi apɔsɔ “fierce monkeylike animal”

Word History and Origins

Origin of potto¹

C18: of West African origin; compare Wolof pata type of tail-less monkey

Example Sentences

The other boys, when they could do so without being seen by Potto Jumbo, amused themselves by ridiculing and teasing Oliver.

From Project Gutenberg

Throwing off my jacket, before Potto Jumbo could cry out, or any one else attempt to stop me, I was overboard.

From Project Gutenberg

A shout of applause from Potto Jumbo reached us, and in another minute he and Merlin got up to the life-buoy.

From Project Gutenberg

Having thus delivered himself, Potto drew his head in within his den.

From Project Gutenberg

Potto Jumbo especially was heartily amused, and lay back on the grass shaking his sides with laughter.

From Project Gutenberg