primates
n. plural-onlyn. 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 member of the biological order Primates, which comprises lemurs, lorises, tarsiers, monkeys, apes, and humans. Characterised by binocular vision, flexible hands and feet, and relatively large brains.
Chimpanzees and gorillas are both primates.
Scientists study the social structures of wild primates to better understand the evolutionary history of human cooperation.
The conservation of non-human primates is critical for maintaining forest biodiversity, as many species serve as primary seed dispersers for large tropical trees.
Usually appears in the plural form when referring to the biological group; the singular 'primate' can also refer to a high-ranking bishop in some churches.