grivet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialist / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “grivet” mean?
A species of African monkey with white tufts of hair on its cheeks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A species of African monkey with white tufts of hair on its cheeks.
In a broader zoological context, it can refer to any of several long-tailed, arboreal African monkeys of the genus Chlorocebus.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. It is a technical term used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific. Carries no additional cultural connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency term in both varieties, limited to academic and specialist discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “grivet” in a Sentence
The grivet [verb of observation/perception]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grivet” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- grivet behaviour
American English
- grivet population
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in zoology, primatology, and ecology papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used unless discussing specific African wildlife.
Technical
Standard term for this specific monkey species in field guides and scientific literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grivet”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grivet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grivet”
- Incorrect pluralisation (grivets, not grivet). Confusing it with the more common vervet monkey (a distinct but closely related species).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are different species within the same genus (Chlorocebus). Grivets (Chlorocebus aethiops) are found further north, primarily in Ethiopia and Sudan, while vervets (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) are found further south.
It is pronounced /ˈɡrɪvɪt/, rhyming with 'rivet'.
In the wild, they are found in woodland and savannah areas of eastern Africa, particularly Ethiopia. Some zoos with African primate collections may also have them.
No, it is a specialist zoological term. In everyday conversation, people would likely just say 'monkey' or use a more general name like 'green monkey'.
A species of African monkey with white tufts of hair on its cheeks.
Grivet is usually specialist / scientific in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a green monkey in a 'RIVET'-ing documentary about Ethiopia.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable for this highly specific, concrete noun.
Practice
Quiz
What is a grivet?