loris

American  

[lawr-is, lohr-] / ˈlɔr ɪs, ˈloʊr- /

noun

1. any of various small, arboreal, nocturnal mammals of the family Lorisidae, with large eyes and lacking a tail, comprising two genera, Loris (theslender lorises ) and Nycticebus (theslow lorises ).

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loris British  

/ ˈlɔːrɪs /

noun

1. any of several omnivorous nocturnal slow-moving prosimian primates of the family Lorisidae, of S and SE Asia, esp Loris tardigradus ( slow loris ) and Nycticebus coucang ( slender loris ), having vestigial digits and no tails

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Etymology

Origin of loris

First recorded in 1765–75; from New Latin; the genus name, from Dutch loeris “simpleton,” equivalent to loer “stupid person” (from French lourd “heavy, clumsy,” from Latin lūridus ) + -is; see origin at lurid, -ish ¹

Example Sentences

"Although our research has focused on the Bengal slow loris and demonstrated the consequences of such practices, we believe similar patterns likely affect many other species."

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

A zoo is celebrating the birth of rare and endangered pygmy slow loris twins.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2025

Building bridges for the slow loris, says Nekaris, “has started to build bridges within the community”.

From The Guardian • Oct. 13, 2020

The Zoo The slow loris has only a tiny window of time for breeding, so staff help a potential pair connect at just the right moment.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2018

The naturally slow motion of its limbs enables the loris to approach its prey so stealthily that it seizes birds before they can be alarmed by its presence.

From Ceylon; an Account of the Island Physical, Historical, and Topographical with Notices of Its Natural History, Antiquities and Productions, Volume 1 by Tennent, James Emerson, Sir