colobus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic / Biological
Quick answer
What does “colobus” mean?
Any of several slender, long-tailed, leaf-eating monkeys of the genus Colobus or related genera, native to Africa, characterized by a reduced or absent thumb and silky fur.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any of several slender, long-tailed, leaf-eating monkeys of the genus Colobus or related genera, native to Africa, characterized by a reduced or absent thumb and silky fur.
In broader or non-technical contexts, the term may refer to any monkey of the subfamily Colobinae, known for their specialized stomachs for digesting leaves. It can also be used in conservation and wildlife contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. Both varieties use the same form.
Connotations
The term carries no region-specific cultural or linguistic connotations. It is a purely scientific term.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, appearing almost exclusively in zoological, conservation, or high-level educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “colobus” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] colobus [VERB] in the forest.A group of colobus [VERB] from tree to tree.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, primatology, ecology, and conservation science contexts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used on a wildlife documentary or during a safari.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Refers specifically to a taxonomic group of Old World monkeys.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colobus”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colobus”
- Misspelling as 'collobus', 'columbus', or 'kolobus'.
- Incorrect plural: 'colobi' (correct: colobuses).
- Confusing it with more common monkey types like baboons or macaques.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are quite different. Colobus monkeys are leaf-eaters with complex stomachs and live in forests, while baboons are omnivorous, ground-dwelling monkeys with dog-like snouts.
No, colobus monkeys are wild animals, often endangered, and are protected by international law. They have specialised dietary and social needs that cannot be met in a domestic setting.
It comes from the Greek word 'kolobos', meaning 'maimed' or 'docked', referring to their rudimentary or absent thumbs.
They are found only in Africa, primarily in the forests and woodlands of Central and East Africa, from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia and Tanzania in the east.
Any of several slender, long-tailed, leaf-eating monkeys of the genus Colobus or related genera, native to Africa, characterized by a reduced or absent thumb and silky fur.
Colobus is usually technical / academic / biological in register.
Colobus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒləbəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːləbəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms exist for this specific term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COLOured BUShy tail' for the monkey's appearance, or 'COLOnial BUShmaster' as a whimsical phrase. The scientific clue: 'Colobus' sounds like 'colobos' (Greek for maimed), reminding you of their short thumbs.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A as a highly specific zoological term. In rare poetic use, it might metaphorically represent agility, forest-dwelling, or endangered wilderness.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining anatomical feature referenced in the name 'colobus'?