Ouakaris

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of New World monkey characterized by a reddish face and long, fluffy tail; native to the tropical forests of South America and known for its arboreal lifestyle
2. A small primate species found in South American rainforests, identified by vibrant facial coloring and commonly inhabiting treetops; noted for social behavior and distinctive vocalizations
3. A group of monkeys from the Amazon basin distinguished by reddish facial features and long fur, living primarily in trees and exhibiting group social structures and varied calls

Etymology: "Ouakaris" is the plural of "ouakari", the name for the bald uakari monkeys of the Amazon basin. The singular entered English from the French of the Amazonian travellers and naturalists who wrote about these animals, and the plural follows the same pattern. The word is one of the many borrowings from indigenous South American languages that came into European languages through the accounts of explorers and naturalists in the Amazon.