rhesus monkey

rhe·sus monkey

noun \ˈrē-səs-\

Definition of RHESUS MONKEY

: a pale brown Asian macaque (Macaca mulatta) often used in medical research —called also rhesus, rhesus macaque

Origin of RHESUS MONKEY

New Latin Rhesus, genus of monkeys, from Latin, a mythical king of Thrace, from Greek Rhēsos

First Known Use: 1841

rhesus monkey

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of RHESUS MONKEY

: a pale brown Asian monkey of the genus Macaca (M. mulatta) often used in medical research

rhesus monkey

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).—Ylla—Rapho/Photo Researchers

Sand-coloured macaque (Macaca mulatta), widespread in South and Southeast Asian forests. Rhesus monkeys are 17–25 in. (43–64 cm) long, excluding the furry 8–12-in. (20–30-cm) tail, and weigh 10–24 lb (4.5–11 kg). They eat fruits, seeds, roots, herbs, and insects. They are held sacred in some parts of India. Hardy in captivity, highly intelligent, and lively, they make good pets when young but may become bad-tempered as adults. They have been used frequently in medical research. The determination of the Rh (from rhesus) factor in human blood involves reaction with the blood of this species. See also Rh blood-group system.