rhesus monkey: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MediumFormal/Scientific/Technical
Quick answer
What does “rhesus monkey” mean?
A small, agile monkey (Macaca mulatta) with brownish fur and a pink face, native to South, Central, and Southeast Asia, widely used in biological and medical research.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, agile monkey (Macaca mulatta) with brownish fur and a pink face, native to South, Central, and Southeast Asia, widely used in biological and medical research.
A specific species of macaque that is culturally significant due to its common use in scientific laboratories, particularly in studies of genetics and infectious diseases. Also sometimes used informally to denote mischievous or lively behavior.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. In scientific writing, it is used identically.
Connotations
The primary connotation, in both regions, is its role as a model organism in medical research (e.g., for the Rhesus factor in blood). In popular culture, it may connote curiosity and mischief.
Frequency
Equally low in everyday conversation in both regions. Significantly more frequent in academic, medical, or zoological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “rhesus monkey” in a Sentence
The Rhesus monkey is a primate.Scientists use the Rhesus monkey as a model.The Rhesus monkeys were observed in their habitat.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rhesus monkey” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The scientists will rhesus-monkey the new vaccine protocol. (Extremely rare/non-standard)
American English
- Researchers needed to rhesus the trial. (Extremely rare/non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The rhesus-monkey colony was maintained under strict conditions. (Compound adjective use)
American English
- They published a rhesus-monkey study in the journal. (Compound adjective use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in specific contexts like pharmaceutical R&D or animal import/export.
Academic
Common in biological sciences, medicine, psychology, and primatology research papers.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used when discussing news about animal research, zoos, or wildlife documentaries.
Technical
Standard term in virology, immunology, genetics, and comparative psychology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rhesus monkey”
- Incorrect: 'a rhesus monkey's blood type' (The Rh factor is named *after* the monkey, not from it). Correct: 'the Rhesus factor, named after the rhesus monkey'.
- Incorrect: 'Rhesus Monkey' capitalised in the middle of a sentence when not starting a sentence.
- Incorrect plural: 'rhesus monkies'. Correct: 'rhesus monkeys'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is derived from 'Rhesus', a mythical king of Thrace in Greek mythology, chosen arbitrarily by French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Audebert when he first described the species in 1797.
Yes, it is a specific species of macaque (Macaca mulatta). All rhesus monkeys are macaques, but not all macaques are rhesus monkeys.
They share approximately 93% of their DNA with humans, have similar physiology (e.g., immune, nervous systems), and have relatively short reproduction cycles, making them invaluable for studying diseases, vaccines, and behaviour.
Currently, the rhesus macaque is listed as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN due to its wide distribution and large population, though certain local populations may face threats.
A small, agile monkey (Macaca mulatta) with brownish fur and a pink face, native to South, Central, and Southeast Asia, widely used in biological and medical research.
Rhesus monkey is usually formal/scientific/technical in register.
Rhesus monkey: in British English it is pronounced /ˈriːsəs ˌmʌŋki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈriːsəs ˌmʌŋki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not directly idiomatic, but the term 'rhesus' is famously part of 'Rhesus factor' (Rh factor) in blood.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'RHEsus' as 'Research HEro' – the monkey widely used in research.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MODEL / STANDARD (for human biology). A LIVING LABORATORY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the rhesus monkey most famous for in a medical context?