Marmoset
/ˈmɑːr.mə.sɛt/noun
A small South American monkey with a long tail, claw-like nails, and distinctive facial features.
Did you know?Before it named the animal, French marmouset could refer to a grotesque figure or ornamental human image, giving the word an unexpectedly uncanny artistic past.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval French
Old French
marmot
“A child or monkey-like figure; probably influenced by imitative speech, though the ultimate origin is uncertain.”
13th–15th Century
Middle French
marmouset
“A small child, grotesque figure, or ornamental figurine; the diminutive ending suggested something small.”
15th Century
French
marmouset
“A small monkey, figurine, or grotesque little creature.”
Early 16th Century
English
marmoset
“A name applied to small monkeys encountered through European exploration and trade.”
Modern English
English
marmoset
“A small South American monkey, especially one of the genus Callithrix or related genera.”
Explore more surprising origins