primate
n. countablen. a member of the group of animals that includes humans, monkeys, and apes. These animals usually have large brains and use their hands to hold things.
n. any mammal belonging to the order Primates, characterized by advanced cognitive development, binocular vision, and grasping hands or feet. Includes prosimians, monkeys, apes, and humans.
Chimpanzees are highly intelligent primates.
The zoo's new exhibit focuses on the social structures of various primates, from small lemurs to large gorillas.
Evolutionary biologists study the skeletal remains of early primates to understand the transition from arboreal life to the bipedal movement characteristic of modern humans.
First attested in 1876. From French primate, from the substantivization of Latin prīmās, prīmātis (“one of the first, chief, excellent, noble”), same as Etymology 2. So named due to the belief that primates are the highest order of mammals or animals.
First attested in c. 1275. From Middle English primat(e), from Old French primat (French primat), from Late Latin prīmās, prīmātis (“chief bishop”), substantivisation of prīmās (same as Etymology 1), from prīmus (“prime, first in rank (also as a substantive)”). Compare English primus, of similar derivation and meaning.
In biological contexts, it refers to the entire order; in religious contexts, it can refer to a high-ranking bishop.