Capuchin

/ˈkæpətʃɪn/ noun

Definition

A small monkey with a rounded head and long tail, native to South and Central America; also refers to a Franciscan friar wearing a distinctive pointed hood.

Etymology

Named from the capuche hood worn by Capuchin monks (from Italian cappuccino), because the monkey's head markings resembled a monk's hooded head. The Franciscan order adopted this name in the 16th century.

Kelly Says

Capuchin monkeys are so intelligent that they were kept as companion animals by nobility and traveled on ships—they became celebrities in European courts before they were studied scientifically, making them one of the first non-human primates to become famous!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.