loris

noun

lo·​ris ˈlȯr-əs 

: any of several nocturnal slow-moving tailless arboreal primates (subfamily Lorisinae): such as

a

: either of two slim-bodied primates (Loris tardigradus or L. lydekkerianus) of southern India and Sri Lanka

b

: any of several larger related primates (Xanthonycticebus pygmaeus or genus Nycticebus) of southeastern Asia that are heavier limbed and slower moving

Illustration of loris

• loris a

Examples of loris in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sweat glands on the loris’ elbows secrete a toxin that, when licked, can give the primate a poisonous bite, the National Zoo said. —Makiya Seminera, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

The slow loris ranges in size from half a pound (the Bornean variety) to up to four pounds (the Bengal). —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 29 July 2022

Other researchers’ observations have implicated other primates as well: In southeast Asia, the slow loris eats fermented Bertram palm nectar, while on the island of St. Kitts, green monkeys steal sips of tourists’ cocktails. —K. N. Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 June 2015

Southeast Asia’s slow loris. —Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 25 Sep. 2018

Word History

Etymology

French, probably from obsolete Dutch loeris simpleton

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

loris

noun

lo·​ris ˈlōr-əs 

ˈlȯr-

: any of several small slow-moving primates that are active at night and do not have tails