Yerkish
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of Yerkish
1970–75; Yerk(es) (Regional Primate Research Center, at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia) + -ish 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On each of the variously colored keys is a different geometric form; the forms are the words�or "lexigrams," as the scientists call them�of Yerkish.
From Time Magazine Archive
Under the tutelage of the center's scientists, Lana is rapidly learning how to read and write in a brand-new language called Yerkish.
From Time Magazine Archive
A chimp with a degree in Yerkish or Ameslan exhibits the ability to form concepts from his store of word symbols.
From Time Magazine Archive
By punching out these symbols, or lexigrams, as they are called, on a computer-monitored console, which displayed them on an overhead screen, Lana became skilled enough in Yerkish to say things like "Please machine give Lana juice."
From Time Magazine Archive
Like Lana, Sherman and Austin first had to be introduced to Yerkish.
From Time Magazine Archive
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
