A small ape or a young ape; a diminutive form referring to an ape-like creature of small size.
From 'ape' + '-let' (diminutive suffix), as in 'booklet', 'tablet', 'streamlet'. The suffix '-let' comes from Old French and indicates something small or a little version of the root word.
The '-let' suffix is wonderfully productive in English—you can add it to almost any noun to make it small and cute, so 'apelet' is a perfectly logical (if rarely used) word for an adorable tiny ape, just like 'piglet' or 'anklet'.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.