Primates

[prahy-mey-teez]

noun

1. the order comprising the primates.

primates

1. The order of mammals that includes monkeys, apes, and human beings. Primates are distinguished from other animals in that they generally possess limbs capable of performing a variety of functions, hands and feet adapted for grasping (including opposable thumbs), flattened snouts, and other anatomical features. (See Linnean classification.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of primates¹

1765–75; < New Latin, plural of Latin prīmās one of the first, chief, principal. See primate