hamadryas baboon

American  

[ham-uh-drahy-uhs] / ˌhæm əˈdraɪ əs /

noun

1. a baboon, Papio (Comopithecus ) hamadryas, of Ethiopia, the male of which has a mantle of long, dark hair about the head and shoulders: held sacred by the ancient Egyptians.

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Etymology

Origin of hamadryas baboon

1930–35; < New Latin hamadryas the specific epithet ( see hamadryad)

Example Sentences

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

From Science Daily • Oct. 24, 2023

Egyptians venerated the hamadryas baboon as one embodiment of Thoth, god of the moon and of wisdom and adviser to Ra, god of the sun.

From Scientific American • Nov. 17, 2021

We found that the hamadryas baboon has more so-called cellulolytic microbes—which break down plant cell walls—than the olive baboon does, in keeping with its higher-fiber diet.

From Scientific American • Nov. 17, 2021

However, the assumption of chimpanzee life — unlike, say, in hamadryas baboon societies — is not that every approach by another is a potential do-or-die threat.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2020

The spectacular hamadryas baboon is a very good citizen.

From The Minds and Manners of Wild Animals A Book of Personal Observations by Hornaday, William Temple