guereza: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/AdvancedZoological/Scientific/Formal
Quick answer
What does “guereza” mean?
A large African monkey of the genus Colobus, characterized by long, silky black-and-white fur.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large African monkey of the genus Colobus, characterized by long, silky black-and-white fur.
Specifically refers to several species of black-and-white colobus monkeys native to Africa, known for their striking mantle of white hair on their shoulders and back.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. May connote specialized knowledge in non-scientific contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly higher in wildlife documentaries, nature writing, or academic zoology.
Grammar
How to Use “guereza” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] guereza [VERBed] in the [PLACE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in zoology, primatology, and wildlife biology papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Likely only used by wildlife enthusiasts or in the context of an African safari.
Technical
Standard term in zoological taxonomy and field guides for specific species of Colobus.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “guereza”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “guereza”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guereza”
- Misspelling as 'guerezza', 'guerezza', or 'gereza'.
- Mispronouncing with a hard 'g' as in 'go'.
- Using it as a general term for any monkey.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized term used primarily in zoology and wildlife contexts.
No, it refers specifically to certain species within the Colobus genus. Other black-and-white monkeys have different names.
'Colobus' is the genus name for a group of monkeys. 'Guereza' typically refers to particular species within that genus, like the mantled guereza (Colobus guereza).
It is believed to be derived from an Amharic (Ethiopian) word for the animal.
A large African monkey of the genus Colobus, characterized by long, silky black-and-white fur.
Guereza is usually zoological/scientific/formal in register.
Guereza: in British English it is pronounced /ɡəˈrɛzə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡəˈreɪzə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GUARDian of the REZA' (a forest) with a black and white coat. Sounds like 'where is he?' – a good question as this monkey lives high in the trees.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for a specific animal term.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'guereza'?