prosimian

noun

pro·​sim·​i·​an prō-ˈsi-mē-ən 

: any of a suborder (Prosimii) of lower primates (such as lemurs and lorises)

Note: The suborder Prosimii is now infrequently used in taxonomic classification. Most species, with the exception of the tarsiers, formerly grouped in the suborder Prosimii are now classified in the suborder Strepsirrhini.

prosimian adjective

Examples of prosimian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sifakas — neither monkey nor ape but a prosimian from Madagascar — increase their consumption of tannin-rich plants while pregnant or breast-feeding. —Jesse Hawley, Discover Magazine, 6 Jan. 2021

Lemurs represent an evolutionary path not taken, prosimians that never evolved into anything else. —Tom Downey, WSJ, 18 July 2018

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Prosimii, from pro- entry 1 + Latin simia ape — more at simian

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

prosimian

noun

pro·​sim·​i·​an (ˈ)prō-ˈsim-ē-ən 

: a mammal (as a lemur) that is one of the lower primates

prosimian adjective