monkey tail: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Technical (context-dependent)
Quick answer
What does “monkey tail” mean?
The long, flexible, often prehensile tail of a monkey.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The long, flexible, often prehensile tail of a monkey.
A descriptive term for anything resembling the tail of a monkey in shape, flexibility, or function; also used in specific technical contexts (e.g., certain plants, tools, or slang).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Usage is equally rare in both varieties and context-dependent.
Connotations
Neutral/literal in both. Potential for informal or humorous use is similar.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. More likely encountered in specific fields or descriptive writing.
Grammar
How to Use “monkey tail” in a Sentence
The [noun] has a monkey tail.It wrapped its monkey tail around the branch.The [tool/plant] is called a monkey tail because...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monkey tail” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The monkey-tail fern is quite delicate.
- He used a monkey-tail brush for the detail work.
American English
- She bought a monkey-tail cactus for her windowsill.
- It's a monkey-tail splice used in sailing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Possible in zoology or botany texts as a descriptive term or common name for species.
Everyday
Used literally when describing monkeys or metaphorically for similar-shaped objects.
Technical
Used in specific niches: horticulture (plant names),某些工具或绳索的俚语名称。
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monkey tail”
- Misspelling as 'monkey tale' (a story about a monkey).
- Overusing as a general metaphor where more common terms (like 'coil' or 'rope') exist.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound noun, typically written as two separate words ('monkey tail'), though hyphenation ('monkey-tail') can occur when used as a modifier (e.g., monkey-tail cactus).
No, 'monkey tail' is not standardly used as a verb. It functions primarily as a noun or a noun modifier (adjective).
A common spelling error is writing 'monkey tale', which refers to a story about a monkey, not its physical appendage.
No, it is a low-frequency phrase. It is used literally when discussing monkeys or descriptively in specific contexts (e.g., gardening,某些手艺), but not in general daily conversation.
The long, flexible, often prehensile tail of a monkey.
Monkey tail is usually informal, technical (context-dependent) in register.
Monkey tail: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki teɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki teɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Monkey tail cactus (common name for Hildewintera colademononis)”
- “To make a monkey tail (slang, rare/obsolete for a specific braid or knot)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a monkey swinging by its long, curling TAIL from a tree. The word 'tail' is in the phrase.
Conceptual Metaphor
LONG FLEXIBLE OBJECT IS A MONKEY TAIL (e.g., "The hose coiled like a monkey tail").
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'monkey tail' most likely to be used technically?