Caenopithecus

noun

Cae·​no·​pi·​the·​cus

ˌsēnōpə̇ˈthēkəs,

ˌkīn-,

-ōˈpithikəs

: a genus of primates (family Adapidae) of the Eocene of Switzerland in some respects intermediate between tarsioids and the higher primates

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from caen- + -pithecus

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!