spider monkey

noun

1. any of several tropical American monkeys of the genus Ateles, having a slender body, long, slender limbs, and a long, prehensile tail: some are endangered.

spider monkey

noun

1. any of several arboreal New World monkeys of the genus Ateles, of Central and South America, having very long legs, a long prehensile tail, and a small head

2. a rare related monkey, Brachyteles arachnoides, of SE Brazil

Word History and Origins

Origin of spider monkey¹

First recorded in 1755–65

Word History and Origins

Origin of spider monkey¹

C18: so called because its long limbs resemble the legs of a spider