pongid

noun

plural pongids
dated
: any of a former family (Pongidae) of great apes that included the chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan

Note: These species are now classified in the same family (Hominidae) as humans.

pongid adjective

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Kongo mpongi ape

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pongid was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near pongid

Cite this Entry

“Pongid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pongid. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

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