Squirrel Monkey
/ˈskwɪr.əl ˌmʌŋ.ki/noun
A small New World monkey of the genus Saimiri, known for its slender body, long tail, and highly social behavior.
Did you know?The word squirrel ultimately comes from Ancient Greek skiouros, “shadow-tail,” describing the animal’s bushy tail curling over its back; the monkey’s name was later added because of its squirrel-like appearance and movements.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
σκίουρος (skiouros)
“Squirrel; literally “shadow-tail,” from skia, “shadow,” and oura, “tail.””
Latin
Latin
sciurus
“Squirrel; a borrowing of the Greek animal name.”
12th Century
Old French
escurel
“Squirrel; the source of the Middle English form.”
14th Century
Middle English
squirel
“Squirrel, referring to the small bushy-tailed rodent.”
15th–16th Century
Dutch and English
monnekijn → monkey
“Monkey; probably influenced by Dutch monnekijn, “little monk,” before becoming the standard English animal name.”
18th Century
English
squirrel monkey
“A compound name for small South American monkeys whose size, agility, and appearance were compared with squirrels.”
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