Guenon
/ɡəˈnɒn/noun
Any of several slender African monkeys of the genus Cercopithecus.
Did you know?“Guenon” entered English through French during the era of European exploration, when unfamiliar African animals were often named through trade languages and place associations.
Etymological Timeline
17th Century
English
guenon
“An African monkey; borrowed into English from French.”
16th–17th Century
French
guenon
“A monkey, especially an African monkey; the precise earlier source is uncertain.”
Early Modern Period
Portuguese
guiné
“Guinea or the Guinea region of West Africa; sometimes proposed as a possible source for French guenon.”
Medieval Period
European usage
Guinea
“A European geographical name for parts of the West African coast; its deeper origin is disputed.”
Modern English
English
guenon
“A zoological term for African monkeys in the genus Cercopithecus.”
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