new world monkey
C1Technical/Scientific, Occasionally Informal
Definition
Meaning
Any monkey belonging to the infraorder Platyrrhini, native to Central and South America, characterized by a broad nose with sideways-facing nostrils and often a prehensile tail.
A biological/zoological classification for primates of the Americas, distinct from the 'Old World monkeys' of Africa and Asia; in casual use, can sometimes refer to something primitive, curious, or energetic.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a compound taxonomic term, functioning as a single lexical unit. It refers specifically to a zoological classification (e.g., capuchins, howlers, spider monkeys) and is often used in contrast to 'Old World monkey.' It is not typically used metaphorically but can be in humorous or pejorative contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is identical in both scientific and general contexts.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. In very rare informal use, might humorously describe a mischievous or agile person.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined primarily to zoological, academic, or wildlife documentary contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Species/Type] is a New World monkey.Scientists study [the/several] New World monkeys.Unlike [Old World primates], New World monkeys have...The defining feature of a New World monkey is [its prehensile tail/broad nostrils].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in biological sciences, anthropology, and zoology texts and lectures.
Everyday
Rare; might be used when discussing nature documentaries, zoo visits, or travel to the Americas.
Technical
The primary context. Used precisely in taxonomy, primatology, and wildlife biology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [This word is not used as a verb]
American English
- [This word is not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [This word is not used as an adverb]
American English
- [This word is not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The Platyrrhini infraorder contains all New-World-monkey species.
- We studied New World monkey morphology.
American English
- The platyrrhine group contains all New World monkey species.
- We studied New World monkey behavior.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We saw a New World monkey at the zoo.
- It had a very long tail.
- A capuchin is a type of New World monkey from South America.
- New World monkeys usually live in rainforests.
- Unlike their Old World counterparts, many New World monkeys possess a fully prehensile tail, which acts as a fifth limb.
- The evolutionary split between Old and New World monkeys occurred when the continents separated.
- Phylogenetic analysis suggests that New World monkeys diversified rapidly after their transatlantic dispersal from Africa.
- A key diagnostic feature separating platyrrhines from catarrhines is the morphology of the nasal aperture.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'NEW' = the 'New World' (the Americas), where these monkeys live. Their noses are flat and nostrils face sideways, like a 'NEW' button on a phone that points to the sides.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE DOMAINS: Geography (New World), Evolution/Biology. It frames the monkey through its geographical discovery and evolutionary lineage.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'новая мировая обезьяна.' The correct term is 'обезьяна Нового Света' or 'широконосая обезьяна.'
- The term classifies based on geography and anatomy, not on being 'new' in age.
Common Mistakes
- Capitalization: Should be 'New World monkey' (not 'new world Monkey').
- Confusing it with 'Old World monkey,' which is a different biological group.
- Using it to refer to any monkey from a recently discovered region.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic typically associated with a New World monkey?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary differences are geographical and anatomical. New World monkeys (Platyrrhini) are from the Americas and have broad noses with nostrils facing sideways. Old World monkeys (Catarrhini) are from Africa and Asia and have narrow noses with downward-facing nostrils. Many New World monkeys also have prehensile tails, which Old World monkeys lack.
No. Humans are catarrhine primates, more closely related to Old World monkeys and apes. New World monkeys represent a separate evolutionary branch that diverged from the line leading to humans, apes, and Old World monkeys tens of millions of years ago.
Yes, but only correctly for monkeys. Note that the primates in the Americas are all monkeys (Platyrrhini). There are no native apes (like gorillas or chimpanzees) in the Americas, so 'New World monkey' effectively covers all non-human, non-prosimian primates there.
Yes. Marmosets, along with tamarins, capuchins, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys, are all families within the New World monkey infraorder Platyrrhini.