Mangabé
/mÉÌ.ÉĄa.be/noun
A mangabey, a medium-sized African monkey of the genus Cercocebus or Lophocebus.
Did you know?The word entered European scientific vocabulary through French, but its ultimate West African source remains uncertain rather than secretly magical.
Etymological Timeline
Before the 18th century
Uncertain West African source
Unknown
âA presumed local name for an African monkey; the source language has not been securely identified.â
18th Century
French
mangabé
âA name for an African monkey, later used in zoological writing.â
18th Century
English
mangabey
âAn African monkey; the English form developed with a final -y.â
Modern English
English
mangabey
âA common name for several African monkeys, especially species of Cercocebus and Lophocebus.â
Explore more surprising origins