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The Latin word for "ape" is simia, which itself comes from simus, "snub-nosed". Simian is usually a scientific word; thus, for instance, biologists study simian viruses in the search for cures to AIDS and other diseases. But simian can be used by the rest of us to describe human behavior. Human babies often cling to their mothers in a simian way, and kids playing on a jungle gym may look like simians. But if you notice that a friend has a simian style of walking or eating bananas, it might be best not to tell him.
Examples of simian in a Sentence
Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
Nominated at this past weekend’s Golden Globes like The Last Showgirl, the simian themed Robbie Williams biopic from director Michael Gracey was released wide on Christmas Day.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2025
Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025
Brash simian Robbie is a lot more fun to watch than soppy simian Robbie.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Simian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simian. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
simian
1 of 2 adjective
simian
2 of 2 noun
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