Simiiformes
/ˌsɪmiɪˈfɔːrmiːz/noun
A zoological clade comprising the higher primates, including monkeys, apes, and humans.
Did you know?The name combines Latin simia, “ape,” with forma, “shape” or “form,” making human classification part of an explicitly ape-centered name.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
σημία (sēmía)
“Ape or monkey; traditionally connected with a term describing a snub-nosed appearance”
Classical Latin
Latin
simia
“A female ape or monkey”
Classical Latin
Latin
forma
“Shape, form, figure, or appearance”
19th Century
New Latin
Simiiformes
“A taxonomic formation meaning “ape-shaped forms””
Modern English
English
Simiiformes
“The clade of higher primates, including monkeys, apes, and humans”