strepsirrhine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Technical (Zoology, Anthropology, Biology)
Quick answer
What does “strepsirrhine” mean?
A primate belonging to the suborder Strepsirrhini, which includes lemurs, lorises, and galagos, characterised by a wet, comb-like nose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A primate belonging to the suborder Strepsirrhini, which includes lemurs, lorises, and galagos, characterised by a wet, comb-like nose.
In modern taxonomy, this term defines a major primate clade distinguished by primitive characteristics such as a rhinarium (wet nose), a toothcomb, and a grooming claw. The term is used both as a noun and an attributive adjective (strepsirrhine primate).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage; spelling is consistent. Pronunciations may slightly differ (see IPA).
Connotations
Solely scientific; carries no cultural or colloquial connotations in either variety.
Frequency
The word is extremely rare in general discourse but has standard, equal frequency within relevant academic fields in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “strepsirrhine” in a Sentence
[N] is a strepsirrhinestrepsirrhine [N] (e.g., strepsirrhine primate)belong to the strepsirrhinesthe strepsirrhine clade/suborderVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strepsirrhine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The strepsirrhine lineage diverged very early in primate evolution.
- This fossil exhibits clear strepsirrhine dental characteristics.
American English
- The lemur is a classic example of a strepsirrhine primate.
- Strepsirrhine anatomy is studied for its primitive traits.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Essential term in primatology, biological anthropology, and evolutionary biology. Used in taxonomy, phylogenetic discussions, and comparative anatomy.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core taxonomic term. Used in research papers, species descriptions, and phylogenetic trees.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “strepsirrhine”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “strepsirrhine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strepsirrhine”
- Misspelling: 'strepsirhine' (missing one 'r').
- Incorrect pronunciation: stressing the second syllable.
- Using 'prosimian' as a perfect synonym (prosimians include tarsiers, which are haplorhines).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Humans are haplorhines, the other major primate suborder. Strepsirrhines are more primitive, wet-nosed primates like lemurs.
The most distinctive difference is the presence of a rhinarium (wet, naked skin around the nostrils) in strepsirrhines, which is absent in haplorhines.
Not accurately in modern taxonomy. 'Prosimian' is an older, paraphyletic term that includes tarsiers, which are now classified as haplorhines. 'Strepsirrhine' is the precise cladistic term.
Most are found in Madagascar (lemurs) and continental Africa and Asia (lorises, galagos, pottos). A few species exist in Southeast Asia.
A primate belonging to the suborder Strepsirrhini, which includes lemurs, lorises, and galagos, characterised by a wet, comb-like nose.
Strepsirrhine is usually academic, technical (zoology, anthropology, biology) in register.
Strepsirrhine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstrɛpsɪraɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstrɛpsəˌraɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'STREP' throat making your nose RUNNY (wet nose) and 'RHINE' like the RHINO's prominent nose. 'Strepsirrhine' = primates with a wet, prominent nose.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A – Highly technical term with no common metaphorical extension.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a strepsirrhine?