macaque

[ muh-kak, -kahk ]

noun

1. any monkey of the genus Macaca, chiefly of Asia, characterized by cheek pouches and, usually, a short tail: several species are threatened or endangered.

macaque

/ məˈkɑːk /

noun

1. any of various Old World monkeys of the genus Macaca, inhabiting wooded or rocky regions of Asia and Africa. Typically the tail is short or absent and cheek pouches are present

Word History and Origins

Origin of macaque¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; from French, from Portuguese macaco “monkey,” presumably from a Bantu language of the Atlantic coast; compare Lingala makako “ape”

Word History and Origins

Origin of macaque¹

C17: from French, from Portuguese macaco, from Fiot (a W African language) makaku, from kaku monkey

Example Sentences

An odd new study involving rhesus macaque monkeys, ethanol, and vaccines has found some benefit to moderate drinking.

From The Daily Beast

Instead of a small crest of hair, which is found on the top of the head of the macaque, this animal has it sharp and pointed.

From Project Gutenberg

The egret also has a longer tail than the macaque, in proportion to the length of its body.

From Project Gutenberg

The macaque has pouches on each side of his cheeks, and callosities on his posteriors.

From Project Gutenberg

The macaque and the egret, appeared to us so similar, that we presumed them to be of one and the same species.

From Project Gutenberg

The only other member of this family that we can mention is the crab-eating macaque, which is found in Siam and Burma.

From Project Gutenberg