Definition

A type of large monkey that lives in trees and is found in Africa, known for its long limbs and distinctive black and white fur.

Example

The colobus monkey swung gracefully from branch to branch in the rainforest.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a colobus monkey before?

No, I haven't! What do they look like?

They have striking black and white fur, and they're really agile in the trees.

That sounds amazing! I'd love to see one in the wild.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Colobus → The word 'colobus' comes from the Greek 'kolobos' (κολοβός), meaning 'docked' or 'curtailed', referring to the short tail of these monkeys. The term is used to describe a specific group of Old World monkeys known for their distinctive physical characteristics.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word 'kolobos', which means 'docked' — this helps you remember that 'colobus' refers to monkeys with short tails.

Visually Confused Words