gelada: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific (Zoology), Formal
Quick answer
What does “gelada” mean?
A large, terrestrial Old World monkey (Theropithecus gelada) endemic to the Ethiopian Highlands, distinguished by a distinctive patch of hairless skin on its chest and a long, flowing cape of hair on its back.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, terrestrial Old World monkey (Theropithecus gelada) endemic to the Ethiopian Highlands, distinguished by a distinctive patch of hairless skin on its chest and a long, flowing cape of hair on its back.
In a broad zoological context, any member of the genus Theropithecus; sometimes used metaphorically to refer to something or someone with a shaggy, imposing appearance reminiscent of the monkey's cape.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences exist. The term is identically used in scientific communities worldwide.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific. Evokes images of unique wildlife, high-altitude habitats, and primate behavior.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gelada” in a Sentence
The gelada [verb: lives, feeds, grazes] in the highlands.Researchers [verb: study, observe, protect] the gelada.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gelada” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gelada population is under threat.
- We studied gelada social structures.
American English
- Gelada behavior is fascinating.
- The gelada habitat is shrinking.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biological, zoological, ecological, and conservation studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare; might be used by wildlife enthusiasts or in travel contexts about Ethiopia.
Technical
The primary register. Used in scientific papers, field guides, and wildlife documentaries.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gelada”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gelada”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈɡɛlədə/ (GEL-ada).
- Misspelling as 'geladda', 'gallada'.
- Confusing it with the more common 'baboon' or 'mandrill'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is commonly referred to as the gelada baboon. It is the only living member of the genus Theropithecus, which is closely related to the Papio baboons.
It is a patch of hairless skin, often called a 'bleeding-heart' patch. Its colour and visibility change with the hormonal state of the animal, serving as a social and sexual signal.
As of recent assessments, they are classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN, though their population is decreasing due to habitat loss and human conflict. They are not currently considered critically endangered.
They are rarely kept in zoos due to their specific high-altitude habitat requirements and social structure. A few specialized zoological parks may house them, but seeing them in the wild is generally only possible in Ethiopia.
A large, terrestrial Old World monkey (Theropithecus gelada) endemic to the Ethiopian Highlands, distinguished by a distinctive patch of hairless skin on its chest and a long, flowing cape of hair on its back.
Gelada is usually technical / scientific (zoology), formal in register.
Gelada: in British English it is pronounced /dʒɪˈlɑːdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /dʒəˈlɑdə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'JELLY-DAD' monkey with a wobbly red chest patch, sitting on a LEDA (like in Greek myth) cliff. GEL-ADA = GEL (like hair gel for its shiny mane) + ADA (a name, making it personal).
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for this highly specific noun.
Practice
Quiz
Where is the gelada monkey endemic to?