primate
|pri/mate|
🇺🇸
/ˈpraɪˌmeɪt/
🇬🇧
/ˈpraɪmət/
first in rank or order
Etymology
'primate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'primas,' where 'primus' meant 'first.'
'primas' transformed into the Old French word 'primat,' and eventually became the modern English word 'primate' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'first in rank or order,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'a member of the mammalian order' and 'a high-ranking bishop.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a member of the group of mammals that includes humans, apes, monkeys, and prosimians.
Chimpanzees are considered to be highly intelligent primates.
Synonyms
Noun 2
an archbishop or bishop ranking first among the bishops of a province or country.
The primate of the Church of England is the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39