#tailless apes

[salubri-outcast]

All human uncles are monkey's uncles

[thagomizersshow]

Apes are a kind of monkey, and that's ok

This is a pet peeve of mine in sci comm ESPECIALLY because many well respected scientific institutions are insistent about apes and monkeys being separate things, despite how it's been established for nearly a century that apes are just a specific kind of monkey.

Nearly every zoo I've visited that houses apes has a sign somewhere like the one below that explains the supposed distinction between the two groups, focusing on anatomy instead of phylogeny.

(Every time I see a graphic like this I age ten years) Movies even do this, especially when they want to sound credible. Take this scene from Rise of the Planet of the Apes:

This guy Franklin is presented as the authority on apes in this scene, and he treats James Franco calling a chimpanzee a monkey like it's insulting.

But when you actually look at a primate family tree, you can see that apes are on the same branch as Old World monkeys, while New World monkeys branched off much earlier.

(I'm assuming bushbabies are included as "lorises" here?)

To put it simply, that means you and I are more closely related to a baboon than a baboon is to a capuchin.

Either the definition of monkey includes apes OR we can keep using an anatomical definition and Barbary macaques get to be an ape because they're tailless.

"I've got no tails on me!"

SO

Why did all this happen? Why did we start insisting apes are monkeys, especially considering the two words were pretty much interchangeable for centuries? Well I've got one word for ya...

This the attitude that puts humans on a pedestal over other life on Earth. That there are intrinsically important features of humanity, and other living things are simply stepping stones in that direction.

At the dawn of evolutionary study, anthropocentrism was enforced by using a model called evolutionary grades. And boy howdy do I hate evolutionary grades.

Basically, a grade is a way of defining a group of animals by using anatomical "complexity". It's the idea that evolution has milestones of importance that, once reached, makes an organism into a new kind of thing. You can almost think of it like evolutionary levels. An animal "levels up" once it gains a certain trait deemed "complex".

You can probably see the issue here; that complexity is an ephemeral idea defined through subjectivity, rather than based off anything truly observable. What makes walking on 2 legs more complex than walking on four? How are tails less complex than no tails? "Complexity" in this context is unmeasurable, therefore it is unscientific. That's why evolutionary grades suck and I never want to look at one.

For primates, this meant once some of them lost their tails, grew bigger brains, and started brachiating instead of leaping, they simply "leveled up" and became apes. Despite the early recognition that apes were simply a branch of the Old World monkey family tree (1785!), the idea of grades took precedent over the phylogenetic link.

In the early years of primatology, humans were even seen as a grade "above" apes, related but separated by our upright stance and supposed far greater intelligence (this was before other apes were recognized tool users).

It wasn't until the goddamn 1970s that it was recognized all great apes should be included in the clade Hominidae alongside humanity. This was a major shift in thinking, and required not just science, but the public, to recognize just how close we are to other living species. It seems like this change has, thankfully, happened and most institutions and science respecting folks have accepted this fact. Those who don't accept it tend to have a lot more issues with science than only accepting humans as apes.

And now, we come to the current problem. Why is there a persistent idea that monkeys and apes are separate?

I want to make it clear I don't believe there was a conscious movement at play here. I think there's a lot of things going on, but there isn't some anti-monkey lobby that is hiding the truth. I think the problem is more complicated and deals with how human brains and human culture often struggle to do too many changes at once.

Now, I haven't seen any studies on this topic, so everything I say going forward is based on my own experience of how people react to learning apes (and therefore, humans) are monkeys.

First off, there is a lot of mental rearranging you have to do to accept humans as monkeys. First you, gotta accept humans as apes, then you have to stop thinking in grades and look at the family tree. Then you have to accept that apes are on the Old World monkey branch, separate from the New World monkeys.

That's a lot of steps, and I've seen science-minded zoo educators struggle with that much mental rearranging. And even while they accept this to an extent, they often find it even harder to communicate these ideas to the public.

I think this is a big reason why zoos and museums often push this idea the hardest. Convincing the public humans are apes is already a challenge, teaching them that all apes are monkeys at the same time might seem impossible.

I believe the other big reason people cling to the "apes-aren't-monkeys" idea is that it still allows for that extra bit of comforting anthropocentrism. Think of it this way; anthropocentrism puts humans on a pedestal. When you learn that humans are apes, you can either remove the pedestal and place humans with other animals, OR, you can place the apes up on the pedestal with humanity. For those that have an anthropocentric worldview, it can actually be easier to "uplift" the apes than ditch the pedestal.

Too make things worse, monkeys are such a symbol of a "primitive" animal nature that many can't accept raising them to the "level" of humanity, but removing the pedestal altogether is equally painful. So they hold tight to an outdated idea despite all the evidence. This is why there's often offense taken when an ape is called a monkey. It's tantamount to someone calling you a monkey, and that's too much of a challenge to anthropocentrism.

Personally, I think recognizing myself as a monkey is wonderful. Non-ape monkeys are as "complex" as any ape. They make tools, they have dynamic social groups, they're adapted to a wide range of environments, AND they have the best hair of all primates.

I think we should be honored to be considered one of them.

[hellsitegenetics]

My favorite animal? Well it would have to be the tailless whip scorpion. Why? By all accounts its a monster. The long pedipalps, its whip like legs, its speed, and propensity to hide in dark, damp, and narrow places.

But these certain arachnids are gentle. They have families that they can recognize. They have their own dance. In a world of apes, octopuses, and birds could something so small be so intelligent? Is that intelligence?

String identified: at aa? t a t t ta c. ? a acct t a t. T g a, t g, t , a t t a, a, a a ac.

t t cta aac a gt. T a a tat t ca cg. T a t ac. a a, ct, a c tg a tgt? tat tgc?

Closest match: Ligustrum vulgare genome assembly, chromosome: 8 Common name: Common privet

[feminariden]

...you know that primates already include humans right?

saiyans with pointed ears and also more primate esque features my beloveds

[foone]

Bad idea: a wolf furry who turns out to be a reverse werewolf.

So they're living in a land where everyone is bipedal wolves with fur and claws and snouts and tails, but on the full moon they're cursed to turn into a hairless tailless ape creature. A human, in other words.

[legend-collection]

Yowie

Yowie is one of several names for an Australian folklore entity that is reputed to live in the Outback. The creature has its roots in Aboriginal oral history. In parts of Queensland, they are known as quinkin (or as a type of quinkin), and as joogabinna, in parts of New South Wales they are called Ghindaring, jurrawarra, myngawin, puttikan, doolaga, gulaga and thoolagal. Other names include yaroma, noocoonah, wawee, pangkarlangu, jimbra and tjangara. Yowie-type creatures are common in Aboriginal Australian legends, particularly in the eastern Australian states.

The yowie is usually described as a hairy and ape-like creature standing upright at between 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in) and 3.6 m (12 ft). The yowie's feet are described as much larger than a human's, but alleged yowie tracks are inconsistent in shape and toe number, and the descriptions of yowie foot and footprints provided by yowie witnesses are even more varied than those of Bigfoot. The yowie's nose is described as wide and flat.

Behaviourally, some report the yowie as timid or shy. Others describe the yowie as sometimes violent or aggressive.

The origin of the name "yowie" to describe unidentified Australian hominids is unclear. The term was in use in 1875 among the Kámilarói people and documented in Rev. William Ridley's "Kámilarói and Other Australian Languages" (page 138)

“Yō-wī” is a spirit that roams over the earth at night.

Some modern writers suggested that it arose through Aboriginal legends of the "Yahoo". Robert Holden recounts several stories that support this from the nineteenth century, including this European account from 1842:

The natives of Australia ... believe in ... [the] YAHOO ... This being they describe as resembling a man ... of nearly the same height, ... with long white hair hanging down from the head over the features ... the arms as extraordinarily long, furnished at the extremities with great talons, and the feet turned backwards, so that, on flying from man, the imprint of the foot appears as if the being had travelled in the opposite direction. Altogether, they describe it as a hideous monster of an unearthy character and ape-like appearance.

Another story about the name, collected from an Aboriginal source, suggests that the creature is a part of the Dreamtime.

Old Bungaree, a Gunedah Aboriginal ... said at one time there were tribes of them [yahoos] and they were the original inhabitants of the country — he said they were the old race of blacks ... [The yahoos] and the blacks used to fight and the blacks beat them most of the time, but the yahoo always made away from the blacks being a faster runner mostly .

On the other hand, Jonathan Swift's yahoos from Gulliver's Travels, and European traditions of hairy wild men, are also cited as a possible source. Furthermore, great public excitement was aroused in Britain in the early 1800s with the first arrivals of captive orangutan for display.

In a 1987 column in The Sydney Morning Herald columnist Margaret Jones wrote that the first Australian yowie sighting was said to have taken place as early as 1795.

In the 1850s, accounts of "Indigenous Apes" appeared in the Australian Town and Country Journal. The earliest account in November 1876 asked readers; "Who has not heard, from the earliest settlement of the colony, the blacks speaking of some unearthly animal or inhuman creature ... namely the Yahoo-Devil Devil, or hairy man of the wood ..."

In an article entitled "Australian Apes" appearing six years later, amateur naturalist Henry James McCooey claimed to have seen an "indigenous ape" on the south coast of New South Wales, between Batemans Bay and Ulladulla:

A few days ago I saw one of these strange creatures ... on the coast between Batemans Bay and Ulladulla ... I should think that if it were standing perfectly upright it would be nearly 5 feet high. It was tailless and covered with very long black hair, which was of a dirty red or snuff-colour about the throat and breast. Its eyes, which were small and restless, were partly hidden by matted hair that covered its head ... I threw a stone at the animal, whereupon it immediately rushed off ...

McCooey offered to capture an ape for the Australian Museum for £40. According to Robert Holden, a second outbreak of reported ape sightings appeared in 1912. The yowie appeared in Donald Friend's Hillendiana, a collection of writings about the goldfields near Hill End in New South Wales. Friend refers to the yowie as a species of bunyip. Holden also cites the appearance of the yowie in a number of Australian tall stories in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

According to "Top End Yowie investigator" Andrew McGinn, the death and mutilation of a pet dog near Darwin could have been the result of an attack by the mythological Yowie. The dog's owners believed dingoes were responsible.

In 2010, a Canberra man said he saw an animal described as "a juvenile covered in hair, with long arms that almost touched the ground" in his garage. A friend later told him it could be a yowie.

In 1977, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that residents on Oxley Island near Taree recently heard screaming noises made by an animal at night, and that cryptozoologist Rex Gilroy would soon arrive to search for the mythological yowie.

In 1994, Tim the Yowie Man claimed to have seen a yowie in the Brindabella Ranges.

In 1996, while on a driving holiday, a couple from Newcastle claim to have seen a yowie between Braidwood and the coast. They said it was a shaggy creature, walking upright, standing at a height of at least 2.1 metres tall, with disproportionately long arms and no neck.

In August 2000, a Canberra bushwalker described seeing an unknown bipedal beast in the Brindabella Mountains. The bushwalker, Steve Piper, caught the incident on videotape. That film is known as the 'Piper Film'.

In March 2011, a witness reported to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service seeing a yowie in the Blue Mountains at Springwood, west of Sydney. The witness had filmed the creature, and taken photographs of its footprints.

In May 2012, an American television crew claimed it had recorded audio of a yowie in a remote region on the NSW–Queensland border.

In June 2013, a Lismore resident and music videographer claimed to have seen a yowie just north of Bexhill.

In the mid-1970s, the Queanbeyan Festival Board and 2CA together offered a AU$200,000 reward to anyone who could capture and present a yowie: the reward is yet to be claimed.

In the late 1990s, there were several reports of yowie sightings in the area around Acacia Hills. One such sighting was by mango farmer Katrina Tucker who reported in 1997 having been just metres away from a hairy humanoid creature on her property. Photographs of the footprint were collected at the time.

The Springbrook region in south-east Queensland has had more yowie reports than anywhere else in Australia. In 1977, former Queensland Senator Bill O'Chee reported to the Gold Coast Bulletin he had seen a yowie while on a school trip in Springbrook. O'Chee compared the creature he saw to the character Chewbacca from Star Wars. He told reporters that the creature he saw had been over three metres tall.

A persistent story is that of the Mulgowie Yowie, which was last reported as having been seen in 2001.

In March 2014, two yowie searchers claimed to have filmed the yowie in South Queensland using an infrared tree camera, collected fur samples, and found large footprints. Later that year, a Gympie man told media he had encountered yowies on several occasions, including conversing with, and teaching some English to, a very large male yowie in the bush north-east of Gympie, and several people in Port Douglas claimed to have seen yowies, near Mowbray and at the Rocky Point range.

Prominent yowie hunters

Rex Gilroy. Since the mid-1970s, paranormal enthusiast Rex Gilroy, a self-employed cryptozoologist, has attempted to popularise the yowie. Gilroy claims to have collected over 3,000 reports of them and proposed that they comprise a relict population of extinct ape or Homo species. Rex Gilroy believes that the yowie is related to the North American Bigfoot. Along with his partner Heather Gilroy, Gilroy has spent fifty years amassing his yowie collection.

Tim the Yowie Man. A published author who claims to have seen a yowie in the Brindabella Ranges in 1994.Since then, Tim the Yowie Man has investigated yowie sightings and other paranormal phenomena. He also writes a regular column in Australian newspapers The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald. In 2004, Tim the Yowie Man won a legal case against Cadbury, a popular British confectionery company. Cadbury had claimed that his moniker was too similar to their range of Yowie confectionery.

Gary Opit, ABC Local Radio wildlife programmer and environmental scientist.

[armen-the-quote-guy]

Someday some fellow will invent a way of concentrating and storing up sunshine to use instead of this old, absurd Prometheus scheme of fire. I'll do the trick myself if someone doesn't get at it. . . . Sunshine is spread out thin and so is electricity. Perhaps they are the same, but we will take that up later. . . . This scheme of combustion to get power makes me sick to think of, it is so wasteful. It is just the old, foolish Prometheus idea, and the father of Prometheus was a baboon. When we learn how to store electricity, we will cease being apes ourselves. Until then we are tailless orangutans. You see, we should utilize natural forces and thus get all of our power. Sunshine is a form of energy, and the winds and the tides are manifestations of energy. Do we use them? Oh no, we burn up wood and coal, as renters burn up the front fence for fuel. We live like squatters, not as if we owned the property. There must surely come a time when heat and power will be stored in unlimited quantities in every community, all gathered by natural forces. Electricity ought to be as cheap as oxygen, for it cannot be destroyed. Thomas Edison

[babygirlvanitas]

Any —adj. 1 a one, no matter which, of several (cannot find any answer). B some, no matter how much or many or of what sort (if any books arrive; have you any sugar?). 2 a minimal amount of (hardly any difference). 3 whichever is chosen (any fool knows). 4 an appreciable or significant (did not stay for any length of time; has any amount of money). —pron. 1 any one (did not know any of them). 2 any number or amount (are any of them yours?). —adv. (usu. With neg. Or interrog.) At all (is that any good?). [old english ænig: related to *one, *-y1]

Anybody n. & pron. 1 any person. 2 person of importance (is he anybody?).

Anyhow adv. 1 anyway. 2 in a disorderly manner or state (does his work anyhow).

Anyone pron. Anybody.

Usage anyone is written as two words to emphasize a numerical sense, as in any one of us can do it.

Anything pron. Any thing; thing of any sort.  anything but not at all.

Anyway adv. 1 in any way or manner. 2 at any rate. 3 to resume (anyway, as i was saying).

Anywhere —adv. In or to any place. —pron. Any place (anywhere will do).

Aob abbr. Any other business.

Aorta n. (pl. -s) main artery, giving rise to the arterial network carrying oxygenated blood to the body from the heart.  aortic adj. [greek aeiro raise]

Apace adv. Literary swiftly. [french à pas]

Apache n. Member of a n. American indian tribe. [mexican spanish]

Apart adv. 1 separately, not together (keep your feet apart). 2 into pieces (came apart). 3 to or on one side. 4 to or at a distance.  apart from 1 excepting, not considering. 2 in addition to (apart from roses we grow irises). [french à part to one side]

Apartheid n. (esp. In s. Africa) racial segregation or discrimination. [afrikaans]

Apartment n. 1 (in pl.) Suite of rooms. 2 single room. 3 us flat. [italian a parte, apart]

Apathy n. Lack of interest; indifference.  apathetic adj. [greek a- without, *pathos]

Ape —n. 1 tailless monkey-like primate, e.g. The gorilla, chimpanzee, orang-utan, or gibbon. 2 imitator. —v. (-ping) imitate, mimic. [old english]

Apeman n. Extinct primate held to be the forerunner of present-day man.

Aperient —adj. Laxative. —n. Laxative medicine. [latin aperio open]

Aperitif n. Alcoholic drink taken before a meal. [latin aperio open]

Aperture n. Opening or gap, esp. A variable opening in a camera for admitting light. [latin aperio open]

Apex n. (also apex) (often attrib.) System of reduced fares for scheduled flights. [advance purchase excursion]

Apex n. (pl. -es) 1 highest point. 2 tip or pointed end. [latin]

Aphasia n. Loss of verbal understanding or expression, owing to brain damage. [greek aphatos speechless]

Aphelion n. (pl. -lia) point in a celestial body's orbit where it is furthest from the sun. [greek aph'heliou from the sun]

Aphid n. Small insect infesting and damaging plants, e.g. The greenfly. Antitrades n.pl. Winds blowing in the opposite direction to (and usu. Above) trade winds.

Antiviral adj. Effective against viruses.

Antler n. Branched horn of a stag or other deer.  antlered adj. [french]

Antonym n. Word opposite in meaning to another. [greek onoma name]

Antrum n. (pl. Antra) natural cavity in the body, esp. In a bone. [greek, = cave]

Anus n. (pl. Anuses) excretory opening at the end of the alimentary canal. [latin]

Anvil n. Iron block on which metals are worked. [old english]

Anxiety n. (pl. -ies) 1 being anxious. 2 worry or concern. 3 eagerness, troubled desire. [latin anxietas from ango choke]

Anxious adj. 1 mentally troubled. 2 causing or marked by anxiety (anxious moment). 3 eager, uneasily wanting (anxious to please).  anxiously adv. [latin anxius]

Any —adj. 1 a one, no matter which, of several (cannot find any answer). B some, no matter how much or many or of what sort (if any books arrive; have you any sugar?). 2 a minimal amount of (hardly any difference). 3 whichever is chosen (any fool knows). 4 an appreciable or significant (did not stay for any length of time; has any amount of money). —pron. 1 any one (did not know any of them). 2 any number or amount (are any of them yours?). —adv. (usu. With neg. Or interrog.) At all (is that any good?). [old english ænig: related to *one, *-y1]

Anybody n. & pron. 1 any person. 2 person of importance (is he anybody?).

Anyhow adv. 1 anyway. 2 in a disorderly manner or state (does his work anyhow).

Anyone pron. Anybody.

Usage anyone is written as two words to emphasize a numerical sense, as in any one of us can do it.

Anything pron. Any thing; thing of any sort.  anything but not at all.

Anyway adv. 1 in any way or manner. 2 at any rate. 3 to resume (anyway, as i was saying).

Anywhere —adv. In or to any place. —pron. Any place (anywhere will do).

Aob abbr. Any other business.

Aorta n. (pl. -s) main artery, giving rise to the arterial network carrying oxygenated blood to the body from the heart.  aortic adj. [greek aeiro raise]

Apace adv. Literary swiftly. [french à pas]

Apache n. Member of a n. American indian tribe. [mexican spanish]

Apart adv. 1 separately, not together (keep your feet apart). 2 into pieces (came apart). 3 to or on one side. 4 to or at a distance.  apart from 1 excepting, not considering. 2 in addition to (apart from roses we grow irises). [french à part to one side]

Apartheid n. (esp. In s. Africa) racial segregation or discrimination. [afrikaans]

Apartment n. 1 (in pl.) Suite of rooms. 2 single room. 3 us flat. [italian a parte, apart]

Apathy n. Lack of interest; indifference.  apathetic adj. [greek a- without, *pathos]

Ape —n. 1 tailless monkey-like primate, e.g. The gorilla, chimpanzee, orang-utan, or gibbon. 2 imitator. —v. (-ping) imitate, mimic. [old english]

Apeman n. Extinct primate held to be the forerunner of present-day man.

Aperient —adj. Laxative. —n. Laxative medicine. [latin aperio open]

Aperitif n. Alcoholic drink taken before a meal. [latin aperio open]

Aperture n. Opening or gap, esp. A variable opening in a camera for admitting light. [latin aperio open]

Apex n. (also apex) (often attrib.) System of reduced fares for scheduled flights. [advance purchase excursion]

Apex n. (pl. -es) 1 highest point. 2 tip or pointed end. [latin]

Aphasia n. Loss of verbal understanding or expression, owing to brain damage. [greek aphatos speechless]

Aphelion n. (pl. -lia) point in a celestial body's orbit where it is furthest from the sun. [greek aph'heliou from the sun]

Aphid n. Small insect infesting and damaging plants, e.g. The greenfly.

Aphis n. (pl. Aphides) aphid. [invented by linnaeus: perhaps a misreading of greek koris bug]

Aphorism n. Short pithy maxim.  aphoristic adj. [greek aphorismos definition] Aphorism n. Short pithy maxim.  aphoristic adj. [greek aphorismos definition]

Aphrodisiac —adj. Arousing sexual desire. —n. Aphrodisiac substance. [greek aphrodite goddess of love]

Apiary n. (pl. -ies) place where bees are kept.  apiarist n. [latin apis bee]

Apical adj. Of, at, or forming an apex.

Apiculture n. Bee-keeping.  apiculturist n. [latin apis bee, *culture]

Apiece adv. For each one; severally (five pounds apiece). [originally a piece]

Apish adj. 1 of or like an ape. 2 foolishly imitating.

Aplomb n. Skilful self-assurance. [french, = straight as a plummet]

Apocalypse n. 1 violent or destructive event. 2 (the apocalypse) revelation, the last book of the new testament. 3 revelation, esp. About the end of the world.  apocalyptic adj. [greek apokalupto reveal]

Apocrypha n.pl. 1 books included in the septuagint and vulgate versions of the old testament but not in the hebrew bible. 2 (apocrypha) writings etc. Not considered genuine. [greek apokrupto hide away]

Apocryphal adj. Of doubtful authenticity.

Apogee n. 1 highest point; climax. 2 point in a celestial body's orbit where it is furthest from the earth. [greek apogeion]

Apolitical adj. Not interested in or concerned with politics.

Apologetic —adj. 1 showing or expressing regret. 2 of apologetics. —n. (usu. In pl.) Reasoned defence, esp. Of christianity.  apologetically adv.

Apologia n. Formal defence of opinions or conduct. [greek: see *apology]

Apologist n. Person who defends something by argument.

Apologize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make an apology, express regret.

Apology n. (pl. -ies) 1 statement of regret for an offence or failure. 2 explanation or defence. 3 (foll. By for) poor specimen of. [greek apologia from apologeomai speak in defence]

Apophthegm n. = *aphorism. [latin from greek]

Apoplectic adj. 1 of or causing apoplexy. 2 colloq. Enraged.

Apoplexy n. Sudden paralysis caused by blockage or rupture of a brain artery; stroke. [greek apoplesso disable by stroke]

Apostasy n. (pl. -ies) renunciation of a belief or faith, abandoning of principles, etc. [greek, = defection]

Apostate n. Person who renounces a former belief etc.  apostatize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing).

A posteriori —adj. (of reasoning) proceeding from effects to causes; inductive. —adv. Inductively. [latin, = from what comes after]

Apostle n. 1 (apostle) any of the twelve men sent out by christ to preach the gospel. 2 leader, esp. Of a new movement. [greek apostolos messenger]

Apostolate n. 1 position or authority of an apostle. 2 leadership in reform.

Apostolic adj. 1 of the apostles or their teaching. 2 of the pope.

Apostolic succession n. Supposed uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the apostles through popes and bishops.

Apostrophe n. 1 punctuation mark (') indicating: a omission of letters or numbers (e.g. Can't; may '92). B possessive case (e.g. Harry's book; boys' coats). 2 exclamatory passage addressed to (an often absent) person or thing.  apostrophize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (in sense 2). [greek, = turning away]

Apothecaries' measure n. (also apothecaries' weight) units formerly used in pharmacy.

Apothecary n. (pl. -ies) archaic dispensing chemist. [greek apotheke storehouse]

Apotheosis n. (pl. -theoses) 1 elevation to divine status, deification. 2 glorification of a thing; sublime example (apotheosis of chivalry). [greek theos god]

Appal v. (-ll-) 1 greatly dismay or horrify. 2 (as appalling adj.) Colloq. Very bad, shocking. [french apalir grow pale: related to *pale1]

Apparatus n. 1 equipment for a particular function, esp. Scientific or technical. 2 political or other complex organization. [latin paro prepare]

Apparel n. Formal clothing, dress.  apparelled adj. [romanic, = make fit, from latin par equal]

Apparent adj. 1 readily visible; obvious. 2 seeming.  apparently adv. [latin: related to *appear] Apparent adj. 1 readily visible; obvious. 2 seeming.  apparently adv. [latin: related to *appear]

Apparition n. Remarkable or unexpected thing that appears; ghost or phantom.

Appeal —v. 1 request earnestly or formally; plead. 2 (usu. Foll. By to) attract, be of interest. 3 (foll. By to) resort to for support. 4 law a (often foll. By to) apply (to a higher court) for reconsideration of a legal decision. B refer (a case) to a higher court. 5 cricket call on the umpire to declare whether a batsman is out. —n. 1 act of appealing. 2 request for public support, esp. Financial. 3 law referral of a case to a higher court. 4 attractiveness. [latin appello address]

Appear v. 1 become or be visible. 2 seem (appeared unwell). 3 present oneself publicly or formally. 4 be published. [latin appareo]

Appearance n. 1 act of appearing. 2 outward form as perceived (appearance of prosperity). 3 semblance.  keep up appearances maintain an impression or pretence of virtue, affluence, etc. Make (or put in) an appearance be present, esp. Briefly.

Appease v. (-sing) 1 make calm or quiet, esp. Conciliate (a potential aggressor) by making concessions. 2 satisfy (an appetite, scruples).  appeasement n. [french à to, pais *peace]

Appellant n. Person who appeals to a higher court. [latin appello address]

Appellate attrib. Adj. (esp. Of a court) concerned with appeals.

Appellation n. Formal name or title; nomenclature.

Appellative adj. 1 naming. 2 gram. (of a noun) designating a class, common.

Append v. (usu. Foll. By to) attach, affix, add, esp. To a written document. [latin appendo hang]

Appendage n. Thing attached; addition.

Appendectomy n. (also appendicectomy) (pl. -ies) surgical removal of the appendix. [from *appendix, *-ectomy]

Appendicitis n. Inflammation of the appendix.

Appendix n. (pl. -dices) 1 tissue forming a tube-shaped sac attached to the large intestine. 2 addition to a book etc. [latin: related to *append]

Appertain v. (foll. By to) relate, belong, or be appropriate. [latin: related to *pertain]

Appetite n. 1 natural craving, esp. For food or sexual activity. 2 (usu. Foll. By for) inclination or desire. [latin peto seek]

Appetizer n. (also -iser) small amount, esp. Of food or drink, to stimulate the appetite.

Appetizing adj. (also -ising) stimulating the appetite, esp. For food; tasty.

Applaud v. 1 express strong approval, esp. By clapping. 2 commend, approve (a person or action). [latin applaudo clap hands]

Applause n. 1 approval shown by clapping the hands. 2 warm approval.

Apple n. 1 roundish firm fruit with crisp flesh. 2 tree bearing this.  apple of one's eye cherished person or thing. [old english]

Apple-pie bed n. Bed made (as a joke) with sheets folded so as to prevent a person lying flat.

Apple-pie order n. Extreme neatness.

Appliance n. Device etc. For a specific task. [related to *apply]

Applicable adj. (often foll. By to) that may be applied; relevant; appropriate.  applicability n. [medieval latin: related to *apply]

Applicant n. Person who applies for something, esp. A job.

Application n. 1 formal request. 2 act of applying. 3 substance applied. 4 a relevance. B use (has many applications). 5 diligence.

Applicator n. Device for applying ointment etc.

Applied adj. Practical, not merely theoretical (applied science).

Appliqué —n. Cutting out of fabric patterns and attaching them to another fabric. —v. (-qués, -quéd, -quéing) decorate with appliqué. [french, = applied]

Apply v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foll. By for, to, or to + infin.) Formally request. 2 be relevant. 3 a make use of; employ (apply the rules; apply common sense). B operate (apply the brakes). 4 (often foll. By to) put or spread on. 5 refl. (often foll. By to) devote oneself. [latin applico fasten to] Apply v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foll. By for, to, or to + infin.) Formally request. 2 be relevant. 3 a make use of; employ (apply the rules; apply common sense). B operate (apply the brakes). 4 (often foll. By to) put or spread on. 5 refl. (often foll. By to) devote oneself. [latin applico fasten to]

Appoint v. 1 assign a job or office to. 2 (often foll. By for) fix (a time, place, etc.). 3 (as appointed adj.) Equipped, furnished (well-appointed).  appointee n. [french à point to a point]

Appointment n. 1 appointing or being appointed. 2 arrangement for meeting or consultation. 3 a post or office open to applicants. B person appointed. 4 (usu. In pl.) Furniture, fittings; equipment.

Apportion v. (often foll. By to) share out; assign as a share.  apportionment n. [medieval latin: related to *portion]

Apposite adj. (often foll. By to) apt, appropriate; well expressed. [latin appono apply]

Apposition n. Juxtaposition, esp. Gram. Of elements sharing a syntactic function (e.g. William the conqueror; my friend sue).

Appraisal n. Appraising or being appraised.

Appraise v. (-sing) 1 estimate the value or quality of. 2 set a price on (esp. Officially). [earlier apprize, assimilated to *praise]

Appreciable adj. Significant, considerable. [french: related to *appreciate]

Appreciate v. (-ting) 1 a esteem highly; value. B be grateful for. 2 understand, recognize (appreciate the danger). 3 rise or raise in value.  appreciative adj. Appreciatory adj. [latin pretium price]

Appreciation n. 1 favourable or grateful recognition. 2 sensitive estimation or judgement. 3 rise in value. [french: related to *appreciate]

Apprehend v. 1 seize, arrest. 2 understand, perceive. [latin prehendo grasp]

Apprehension n. 1 uneasiness, dread. 2 understanding. 3 arrest, capture.

Apprehensive adj. Uneasily fearful.  apprehensively adv.

Apprentice —n. 1 person learning a trade by working in it for an agreed period at low wages. 2 novice. —v. (-cing) (usu. Foll. By to) engage as an apprentice (apprenticed to a builder).  apprenticeship n. [french apprendre learn]

Apprise v. (-sing) formal inform. [french appris(e) learnt, taught]

Appro n. Colloq.  on appro = on approval (see *approval). [abbreviation]

Approach —v. 1 come near or nearer (to) in space or time. 2 tentatively propose to. 3 be similar or approximate to (approaching 5 million). 4 set about (a task etc.). —n. 1 act or means of approaching. 2 approximation. 3 technique (try a new approach). 4 golf stroke from the fairway to the green. 5 aeron. Part of a flight before landing. [latin prope near]

Approachable adj. 1 friendly, easy to talk to. 2 able to be approached.

Approbation n. Approval, consent. [latin probo test]

Appropriate —adj. Suitable, proper. —v. (-ting) 1 take, esp. Without authority. 2 devote (money etc.) To special purposes.  appropriately adv. Appropriation n. [latin proprius own]

Approval n. 1 approving. 2 consent; favourable opinion.  on approval (of goods supplied) returnable if not satisfactory.

Approve v. (-ving) 1 confirm; sanction. 2 (often foll. By of) regard with favour. [latin probo test]

Approx. Abbr. Approximate(ly).

Approximate —adj. Fairly correct, near to the actual (approximate price). —v. (-ting) (often foll. By to) bring or come near (esp. In quality, number, etc.).  approximately adv. Approximation n. [latin proximus nearest]

Appurtenance n. (usu. In pl.) Belonging; accessory. [latin pertineo belong to]

Apr abbr. Annual or annualized percentage rate (esp. Of interest on loans or credit).

Apr. Abbr. April.

Après-ski —n. Social activities following a day's skiing. —attrib. Adj. (of clothes, drinks, etc.) Suitable for these. [french]

Apricot —n. 1 a small juicy soft orange-yellow peachlike fruit. B tree bearing it. 2 its colour. —adj. Orange-yellow. [portuguese and spanish from arabic, ultimately from latin praecox early-ripe] Apricot —n. 1 a small juicy soft orange-yellow peachlike fruit. B tree bearing it. 2 its colour. —adj. Orange-yellow. [portuguese and spanish from arabic, ultimately from latin praecox early-ripe]

April n. Fourth month of the year. [latin]

April fool n. Person successfully tricked on 1 april.

A priori —adj. 1 (of reasoning) from causes to effects; deductive. 2 (of concepts etc.) Logically independent of experience; not derived from experience. 3 assumed without investigation (an a priori conjecture). —adv. 1 deductively. 2 as far as one knows. [latin, = from what is before]

Apron n. 1 garment for covering and protecting the front of the clothes. 2 theatr. Part of a stage in front of the curtain. 3 area on an airfield for manoeuvring or loading.  tied to a person's apron-strings dominated by or dependent on that person (usu. A woman). [originally napron, from french nape table-cloth]

Apropos —adj. 1 appropriate. 2 colloq. (often foll. By of) in respect of. —adv. 1 appropriately. 2 (absol.) Incidentally. [french à propos]

Apse n. Large arched or domed recess, esp. At the end of a church. [related to *apsis]

Apsis n. (pl. Apsides) either of two points on the orbit of a planet etc. Nearest to or furthest from the body round which it moves. [greek (h)apsis arch, vault]

Apt adj. 1 appropriate, suitable. 2 tending (apt to break down). 3 clever; quick to learn. [latin aptus fitted]

Aptitude n. 1 natural talent. 2 ability or fitness, esp. Specified. [french: related to *apt]

Aqua n. The colour aquamarine. [abbreviation]

Aqua fortis n. Nitric acid. [latin, = strong water]

Aqualung n. Portable breathing-apparatus for divers. [latin aqua water]

Aquamarine —n. 1 bluish-green beryl. 2 its colour. —adj. Bluish-green. [latin aqua marina sea water]

Aquaplane —n. Board for riding on water, pulled by a speedboat. —v. (-ning) 1 ride on this. 2 (of a vehicle) glide uncontrollably on a wet surface. [latin aqua water, *plane1]

Aqua regia n. Highly corrosive mixture of acids, attacking many substances unaffected by other reagents. [latin, = royal water]

Aquarelle n. Painting in thin usu. Transparent water-colours. [french from italian]

Aquarium n. (pl. -s) tank of water for keeping and showing fish etc. [latin aquarius of water]

Aquarius n. (pl. -es) 1 constellation and eleventh sign of the zodiac (the water-carrier). 2 person born when the sun is in this sign. [latin: related to *aquarium]

Aquatic —adj. 1 growing or living in water. 2 (of a sport) played in or on water. —n. 1 aquatic plant or animal. 2 (in pl.) Aquatic sports. [latin aqua water]

Aquatint n. Etched print resembling a water-colour. [italian acqua tinta coloured water]

Aqua vitae n. Strong alcoholic spirit, esp. Brandy. [latin, = water of life]

Aqueduct n. Water channel, esp. A bridge on columns across a valley. [latin aquae ductus conduit]

Aqueous adj. Of or like water. [latin aqua water]

Aqueous humour n. Clear fluid in the eye between the lens and the cornea.

Aquilegia n. (usu. Blue-flowered) columbine. [latin]

Aquiline adj. 1 of or like an eagle. 2 (of a nose) curved. [latin aquila eagle]

Ar symb. Argon.

-ar suffix forming adjectives (angular; linear). [latin -aris]

Arab —n. 1 member of a semitic people originating in saudi arabia and neighbouring countries, now widespread throughout the middle east. 2 horse of a breed orig. Native to arabia. —adj. Of arabia or the arabs (esp. With ethnic reference). [arabic araps]

Arabesque n. 1 ballet posture with one leg extended horizontally backwards and arms outstretched. 2 design of intertwined leaves, scrolls, etc. 3 mus. Florid piece. [french from italian from arabo arab]

Arabian —adj. Of or relating to arabia (esp. In geographical contexts) (arabian desert). —n. Native of arabia.

Usage in the sense ‘native of arabia’, the usual term is now arab. Arabian —adj. Of or relating to arabia (esp. In geographical contexts) (arabian desert). —n. Native of arabia.

Usage in the sense ‘native of arabia’, the usual term is now arab.

Arabic —n. Semitic language of the arabs. —adj. Of the arabs (esp. Their language or literature).

Arabic numeral n. Any of the numerals 0-9.

Arable adj. (of land) suitable for crop production. [latin aro to plough]

Arachnid n. Arthropod of a class comprising spiders, scorpions, etc. [greek arakhne spider]

Arak var. Of *arrack.

Araldite n. Propr. Epoxy resin for mending china etc. [origin unknown]

Aramaic —n. Branch of the semitic family of languages, esp. The language of syria used as a lingua franca in the near east from the sixth century bc. —adj. Of or in aramaic. [greek aramaios of aram (hebrew name of syria)]

Arbiter n. 1 arbitrator in a dispute. 2 person influential in a specific field (arbiter of taste). [latin from arbitror to judge]

Arbitrary adj. 1 random. 2 capricious; despotic.  arbitrarily adv.

Arbitrate v. (-ting) decide by arbitration.

Arbitration n. Settlement of a dispute by an impartial third party.

Arbitrator n. Person appointed to arbitrate.

Arbor1 n. Axle or spindle. [latin, = tree]

Arbor n. (brit. Arbour) shady garden alcove enclosed by trees etc. [latin herba herb: assimilated to latin arbor tree]

Arboreal adj. Of or living in trees. [latin arbor tree]

Arborescent adj. Treelike in growth or form.

Arboretum n. (pl. -ta) place cultivating and displaying rare trees.

Arboriculture n. Cultivation of trees and shrubs. [latin arbor tree, after agriculture]

Arbor vitae n. Any of various evergreen conifers. [latin, = tree of life]

Arbour n. (us arbor) shady garden alcove enclosed by trees etc. [latin herba herb: assimilated to latin arbor tree]

Arbutus n. Tree or shrub with clusters of flowers and strawberry-like berries. [latin]

Arc —n. 1 part of the circumference of a circle or other curve. 2 electr. Luminous discharge between two electrodes. —v. (arced; arcing) form an arc; move in a curve. [latin arcus bow]

Arcade n. 1 covered walk, esp. Lined with shops. 2 series of arches supporting or set along a wall. [romanic: related to *arc]

Arcadian —n. Idealized country dweller. —adj. Poetically rural. [greek arkadia in the peloponnese]

Arcane adj. Mysterious, secret. [latin arceo shut up]

Arch1 —n. 1 curved structure as an opening, as a support for a bridge, floor, etc., or as an ornament. 2 any arch-shaped curve. —v. 1 provide with or form into an arch. 2 span like an arch. 3 form an arch. [latin arcus arc]

Arch2 adj. Self-consciously or affectedly playful.  archly adv. [from *arch-, originally in arch rogue etc.]

Arch- comb. Form 1 chief, superior (archbishop). 2 pre-eminent, esp. Unfavourably (arch-enemy). [greek arkhos chief]

Archaean (us archean) —adj. Of the earliest geological era. —n. This time. [greek arkhaios ancient]

Archaeology n. (us archeology) study of ancient cultures, esp. By the excavation and analysis of physical remains.  archaeological adj. Archaeologist n. [greek arkhaiologia ancient history]

Archaeopteryx n. Fossil bird with teeth, feathers, and a reptilian tail. [greek arkhaios ancient, pterux wing]

Archaic adj. 1 a antiquated. B (of a word etc.) No longer in ordinary use. 2 of an early period of culture.  archaically adv. [greek arkhe beginning]

Archaism n. 1 use of the archaic esp. In language or art. 2 archaic word or expression.  archaistic adj.

Archangel n. Angel of the highest rank.

Archbishop n. Chief bishop of a province.

Archbishopric n. Office or diocese of an archbishop.

Archdeacon n. Church dignitary next below a bishop.  archdeaconry n. (pl. -ies).

Archdiocese n. Diocese of an archbishop.  archdiocesan adj. Arabian —adj. Of or relating to arabia (esp. In geographical contexts) (arabian desert). —n. Native of arabia.

Usage in the sense ‘native of arabia’, the usual term is now arab.

Arabic —n. Semitic language of the arabs. —adj. Of the arabs (esp. Their language or literature).

Arabic numeral n. Any of the numerals 0-9.

Arable adj. (of land) suitable for crop production. [latin aro to plough]

Arachnid n. Arthropod of a class comprising spiders, scorpions, etc. [greek arakhne spider]

Arak var. Of *arrack.

Araldite n. Propr. Epoxy resin for mending china etc. [origin unknown]

Aramaic —n. Branch of the semitic family of languages, esp. The language of syria used as a lingua franca in the near east from the sixth century bc. —adj. Of or in aramaic. [greek aramaios of aram (hebrew name of syria)]

Arbiter n. 1 arbitrator in a dispute. 2 person influential in a specific field (arbiter of taste). [latin from arbitror to judge]

Arbitrary adj. 1 random. 2 capricious; despotic.  arbitrarily adv.

Arbitrate v. (-ting) decide by arbitration.

Arbitration n. Settlement of a dispute by an impartial third party.

Arbitrator n. Person appointed to arbitrate.

Arbor1 n. Axle or spindle. [latin, = tree]

Arbor n. (brit. Arbour) shady garden alcove enclosed by trees etc. [latin herba herb: assimilated to latin arbor tree]

Arboreal adj. Of or living in trees. [latin arbor tree]

Arborescent adj. Treelike in growth or form.

Arboretum n. (pl. -ta) place cultivating and displaying rare trees.

Arboriculture n. Cultivation of trees and shrubs. [latin arbor tree, after agriculture]

Arbor vitae n. Any of various evergreen conifers. [latin, = tree of life]

Arbour n. (us arbor) shady garden alcove enclosed by trees etc. [latin herba herb: assimilated to latin arbor tree]

Arbutus n. Tree or shrub with clusters of flowers and strawberry-like berries. [latin]

Arc —n. 1 part of the circumference of a circle or other curve. 2 electr. Luminous discharge between two electrodes. —v. (arced; arcing) form an arc; move in a curve. [latin arcus bow]

Arcade n. 1 covered walk, esp. Lined with shops. 2 series of arches supporting or set along a wall. [romanic: related to *arc]

Arcadian —n. Idealized country dweller. —adj. Poetically rural. [greek arkadia in the peloponnese]

Arcane adj. Mysterious, secret. [latin arceo shut up]

Arch1 —n. 1 curved structure as an opening, as a support for a bridge, floor, etc., or as an ornament. 2 any arch-shaped curve. —v. 1 provide with or form into an arch. 2 span like an arch. 3 form an arch. [latin arcus arc]

Arch2 adj. Self-consciously or affectedly playful.  archly adv. [from *arch-, originally in arch rogue etc.]

Arch- comb. Form 1 chief, superior (archbishop). 2 pre-eminent, esp. Unfavourably (arch-enemy). [greek arkhos chief]

Archaean (us archean) —adj. Of the earliest geological era. —n. This time. [greek arkhaios ancient]

Archaeology n. (us archeology) study of ancient cultures, esp. By the excavation and analysis of physical remains.  archaeological adj. Archaeologist n. [greek arkhaiologia ancient history]

Archaeopteryx n. Fossil bird with teeth, feathers, and a reptilian tail. [greek arkhaios ancient, pterux wing]

Archaic adj. 1 a antiquated. B (of a word etc.) No longer in ordinary use. 2 of an early period of culture.  archaically adv. [greek arkhe beginning]

Archaism n. 1 use of the archaic esp. In language or art. 2 archaic word or expression.  archaistic adj.

Archangel n. Angel of the highest rank.

Archbishop n. Chief bishop of a province.

Archbishopric n. Office or diocese of an archbishop.

Archdeacon n. Church dignitary next below a bishop.  archdeaconry n. (pl. -ies).

Archdiocese n. Diocese of an archbishop.  archdiocesan adj. Archdiocese n. Diocese of an archbishop.  archdiocesan adj.

Archduke n. Hist. Chief duke (esp. As the title of a son of the emperor of austria).  archduchy n. (pl. -ies). [medieval latin archidux]

Archean (brit. Archaean) —adj. Of the earliest geological era. —n. This time. [greek arkhaios ancient]

Arch-enemy n. (pl. -ies) 1 chief enemy. 2 the devil.

Archeology n. (brit. Archaeology) study of ancient cultures, esp. By the excavation and analysis of physical remains.  archeological adj. Archeologist n. [greek arkhaiologia ancient history]

Archer n. 1 person who shoots with a bow and arrows. 2 (the archer) zodiacal sign or constellation sagittarius. [latin arcus bow]

Archery n. Shooting with a bow and arrows, esp. As a sport.

Archetype n. 1 original model; prototype. 2 typical specimen.  archetypal adj. [greek tupon stamp]

Archidiaconal adj. Of an archdeacon. [medieval latin]

Archiepiscopal adj. Of an archbishop. [church latin from greek]

Archimandrite n. 1 superior of a large monastery in the orthodox church. 2 honorary title of a monastic priest. [greek arkhi- chief, mandrites monk]

Archipelago n. (pl. -s) 1 group of islands. 2 sea with many islands. [greek arkhi- chief, pelagos sea]

Architect n. 1 designer of buildings etc., supervising their construction. 2 (foll. By of) person who brings about a specified thing (architect of peace). [greek arkhi- chief, tekton builder]

Architectonic adj. 1 of architecture. 2 of the systematization of knowledge.

Architecture n. 1 design and construction of buildings. 2 style of a building. 3 buildings etc. Collectively.  architectural adj.

Architrave n. 1 (in classical architecture) main beam resting across the tops of columns. 2 moulded frame around a doorway or window. [italian archi- *arch-, latin trabs beam]

Archive —n. (usu. In pl.) 1 collection of documents or records. 2 store for these. —v. (-ving) 1 place or store in an archive. 2 computing transfer (data) to a less frequently used file. [greek arkheia public records]

Archivist n. Keeper of archives.

Archway n. Arched entrance or passage.

Arc lamp n. (also arc light) light using an electric arc.

Arctic —adj. 1 of the north polar regions. 2 (arctic) colloq. Very cold. —n. Arctic regions. [greek arktos great bear]

Arctic circle n. Parallel of latitude 66° 33´ n, forming an imaginary line round the arctic region.

Arc welding n. Use of an electric arc to melt metals to be welded.

Ardent adj. 1 eager, fervent, passionate. 2 burning.  ardently adv. [latin ardeo burn]

Ardor n. (brit. Ardour) zeal, enthusiasm, passion.

Ardour n. (us ardor) zeal, enthusiasm, passion.

Arduous adj. Hard to accomplish; laborious, strenuous. [latin, = steep]

Are1 2nd sing. Present & 1st, 2nd, 3rd pl. Present of *be.

Are2 n. Metric unit of measure, 100 square metres. [latin: related to *area]

Area n. 1 extent or measure of a surface (over a large area). 2 region (southern area). 3 space for a specific purpose (dining area). 4 scope or range. 5 space in front of the basement of a building. [latin, = vacant space]

Arena n. 1 central part of an amphitheatre etc. 2 scene of conflict; sphere of action. [latin, = sand]

Aren't contr. 1 are not. 2 (in interrog.) Am not (aren't i coming too?).

Areola n. (pl. -lae) circular pigmented area, esp. Around a nipple.  areolar adj. [latin diminutive of *area]

Arête n. Sharp mountain ridge. [french from latin arista spine]

Argent n. & adj. Heraldry silver; silvery-white. [latin argentum]

Argon n. Inert gaseous element. [greek argos idle]

Argosy n. (pl. -ies) poet. Large merchant ship. [italian ragusea nave ship of ragusa (in dalmatia)]

Argot n. Jargon of a group or class. [french]

Argue v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) 1 (often foll. By with, about, etc.) Exchange views forcefully or contentiously. 2 (often foll. By that) maintain by reasoning; indicate. 3 (foll. Argue v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) 1 (often foll. By with, about, etc.) Exchange views forcefully or contentiously. 2 (often foll. By that) maintain by reasoning; indicate. 3 (foll. By for, against) reason. 4 treat (a matter) by reasoning. 5 (foll. By into, out of) persuade.  argue the toss colloq. Dispute a choice already made.  arguable adj. Arguably adv. [latin arguo make clear, prove]

Argument n. 1 (esp. Contentious) exchange of views; dispute. 2 (often foll. By for, against) reason given; reasoning process. 3 summary of a book etc.

Argumentation n. Methodical reasoning; arguing.

Argumentative adj. Given to arguing.

Argus n. Watchful guardian. [greek argos mythical giant with 100 eyes]

Argy-bargy n. (pl. -ies) joc. Dispute, wrangle. [originally scots]

Aria n. Long accompanied solo song in an opera etc. [italian]

Arid adj. 1 dry, parched. 2 uninteresting.  aridity n. [latin areo be dry]

Aries n. (pl. Same) 1 constellation and first sign of the zodiac (the ram). 2 person born when the sun is in this sign. [latin, = ram]

Aright adv. Rightly.

Arise v. (-sing; past arose; past part. Arisen) 1 originate. 2 (usu. Foll. By from, out of) result. 3 come to one's notice; emerge. 4 rise, esp. From the dead or from kneeling. [old english a- intensive prefix]

Aristocracy n. (pl. -ies) 1 ruling class or élite; nobility. 2 a government by an élite. B state so governed. 3 (often foll. By of) best representatives. [greek aristokratia rule by the best]

Aristocrat n. Member of the aristocracy.

Aristocratic adj. 1 of or like the aristocracy. 2 a distinguished. B grand, stylish.

Aristotelian —n. Disciple or student of aristotle. —adj. Of aristotle or his ideas. [greek aristoteles (4th c. Bc), name of a greek philosopher]

Arithmetic —n. 1 science of numbers. 2 use of numbers; computation. —adj. (also arithmetical) of arithmetic. [greek arithmos number]

Arithmetic mean n. = *average 2.

Arithmetic progression n. Sequence of numbers with constant intervals (e.g. 9, 7, 5, 3, etc.).

Ark n. Ship in which noah escaped the flood with his family and animals. [old english from latin arca]

Ark of the covenant n. Chest or cupboard containing the tables of jewish law.

Arm1 n. 1 upper limb of the human body from shoulder to hand. 2 forelimb or tentacle of an animal. 3 a sleeve of a garment. B arm support of a chair etc. C thing branching from a main stem (an arm of the sea). D control, means of reaching (arm of the law).  arm in arm with arms linked. At arm's length at a distance. With open arms cordially.  armful n. (pl. -s). [old english]

Arm2 —n. 1 (usu. In pl.) Weapon. 2 (in pl.) Military profession. 3 branch of the military (e.g. Infantry, cavalry). 4 (in pl.) Heraldic devices (coat of arms). —v. 1 supply, or equip oneself, with weapons etc., esp. In preparation for war. 2 make (a bomb etc.) Ready.  take up arms go to war. Under arms equipped for war. Up in arms (usu. Foll. By against, about) actively resisting, highly indignant. [latin arma arms]

Armada n. Fleet of warships, esp. (armada) that sent by spain against england in 1588. [spanish from romanic]

Armadillo n. (pl. -s) s. American mammal with a plated body and large claws. [spanish armado armed man]

Armageddon n. Huge battle or struggle, esp. Marking the end of the world. [rev. 16:16]

Armament n. 1 (often in pl.) Military equipment. 2 equipping for war. 3 force equipped. [latin: related to *arm2]

Armature n. 1 rotating coil or coils of a dynamo or electric motor. 2 iron bar placed across the poles of a horseshoe magnet to preserve its power. 3 metal framework on which a sculpture is moulded. [latin armatura, = armour]

Armband n. Band worn around the upper arm to hold up a shirtsleeve, or as identification, or to aid swimming.

Armchair n. 1 chair with arm supports. 2 (attrib.) Theoretical rather than active (armchair critic).

Armhole n. Each of two holes for arms in a garment. Armhole n. Each of two holes for arms in a garment.

Armistice n. Truce, esp. Permanent. [latin arma arms, sisto make stand]

Armistice day n. Anniversary of the armistice of 11 nov. 1918.

Armlet n. Ornamental band worn round the arm.

Armor (brit. Armour) —n. 1 protective usu. Metal covering formerly worn in fighting. 2 a (in full armour-plate) protective metal covering for an armed vehicle, ship, etc. B armed vehicles collectively. 3 protective covering or shell of an animal or plant. 4 heraldic devices. —v. (usu. Asarmoured adj.) Provide with protective covering, and often guns (armoured car; armoured train). [latin armatura: related to *arm2]

Armorial adj. Of heraldry or coats of arms. [related to *armour]

Armour —n. 1 protective usu. Metal covering formerly worn in fighting. 2 a (in full armour-plate) protective metal covering for an armed vehicle, ship, etc. B armed vehicles collectively. 3 protective covering or shell of an animal or plant. 4 heraldic devices. —v. (usu. As armoured adj.) Provide with protective covering, and often guns (armoured car; armoured train). [latin armatura: related to *arm2]

Armourer n. 1 maker of arms or armour. 2 official in charge of arms.

Armoury n. (pl. -ies) arsenal.

Armpit n. Hollow under the arm at the shoulder.

Armrest n. = *arm1 3b.

Arms race n. Competitive accumulation of weapons by nations.

Arm-wrestling n. Trial of strength in which each party tries to force the other's arm down.

Army n. (pl. -ies) 1 organized armed land force. 2 (prec. By the) the military profession. 3 (often foll. By of) very large number (army of locusts). 4 organized civilian body (salvation army). [french: related to *arm2]

Arnica n. 1 plant of the daisy family with yellow flowers. 2 medicine prepared from this. [origin unknown]

Aroma n. 1 esp. Pleasing smell, often of food. 2 subtle pervasive quality. [greek, = spice]

Aromatherapy n. Use of plant extracts and oils in massage.  aromatherapist n.

Aromatic —adj. 1 fragrant, spicy. 2 chem. Of organic compounds having an unsaturated ring, esp. Containing a benzene ring. —n. Aromatic substance. [latin: related to *aroma]

Arose past of *arise.

Around —adv. 1 on every side; all round; round about. 2 colloq. A in existence; available. B near at hand. 3 here and there (shop around). —prep. 1 on or along the circuit of. 2 on every side of. 3 here and there in or near (chairs around the room). 4 a round (church around the corner). B at a time near to (came around four o'clock).  have been around colloq. Be widely experienced.

Arouse v. (-sing) 1 induce (esp. An emotion). 2 awake from sleep. 3 stir into activity. 4 stimulate sexually.  arousal n. [a- intensive prefix]

Arpeggio n. (pl. -s) mus. Notes of a chord played in succession. [italian arpa harp]

Arrack n. (also arak) alcoholic spirit, esp. Made from coco sap or rice. [arabic]

Arraign v. 1 indict, accuse. 2 find fault with; call into question (an action or statement).  arraignment n. [latin ratio reason]

Arrange v. (-ging) 1 put into order; classify. 2 plan or provide for; take measures (arranged a meeting; arrange to see him; arranged for a taxi). 3 agree (arranged it with her). 4 mus. Adapt (a composition) for a particular manner of performance. [french: related to *range]

Arrangement n. 1 arranging or being arranged. 2 manner of this. 3 something arranged. 4 (in pl.) Plans, measures (made my own arrangements). 5 mus. Composition adapted for performance in a particular way.

Arrant adj. Literary downright, utter (arrant liar). [var. Of *errant, originally in arrant (= outlawed, roving) thief etc.]

Arras n. Hist. Rich tapestry or wall-hanging. [arras in france]

Array —n. 1 imposing or well-ordered series or display. 2 ordered arrangement, esp. Of troops (battle array). —v. 1 deck, adorn. 2 set in order; marshal (forces). [latin ad-, *ready] Array —n. 1 imposing or well-ordered series or display. 2 ordered arrangement, esp. Of troops (battle array). —v. 1 deck, adorn. 2 set in order; marshal (forces). [latin ad-, *ready]

Arrears n.pl. Amount (esp. Of work, rent, etc.) Still outstanding or uncompleted.  in arrears behind, esp. In payment. [medieval latin adretro behindhand]

Arrest —v. 1 lawfully seize (a suspect etc.). 2 stop or check the progress of. 3 attract (a person's attention). —n. 1 arresting or being arrested. 2 stoppage (cardiac arrest). [latin resto remain]

Arrester n. Device for slowing an aircraft after landing.

Arrière-pensée n. 1 secret motive. 2 mental reservation. [french]

Arris n. Archit. Sharp edge at the junction of two surfaces. [french areste, = *arête]

Arrival n. 1 arriving; appearance on the scene. 2 person or thing that has arrived.

Arrive v. (-ving) 1 (often foll. By at, in) reach a destination. 2 (foll. By at) reach (a conclusion etc.). 3 colloq. Become successful. 4 colloq. (of a child) be born. 5 (of a time) come. [latin ripa shore]

Arriviste n. Ambitious or ruthless person. [french: related to *arrive]

Arrogant adj. Aggressively assertive or presumptuous.  arrogance n. Arrogantly adv. [related to *arrogate]

Arrogate v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By to oneself) claim (power etc.) Without right. 2 (often foll. By to) attribute unjustly (to a person).  arrogation n. [latin rogo ask]

Arrow n. 1 pointed slender missile shot from a bow. 2 representation of this, esp. Indicating direction. [old english]

Arrowhead n. 1 pointed tip of an arrow. 2 water-plant with arrow-shaped leaves.

Arrowroot n. 1 nutritious starch. 2 plant yielding this.

Arse n. (us ass) coarse slang buttocks. [old english]

Arsehole n. (us asshole) coarse slang 1 anus. 2 offens. Contemptible person.

Arsenal n. 1 store, esp. Of weapons. 2 place for the storage and manufacture of weapons and ammunition. [arabic, = workshop]

Arsenic —n. 1 non-scientific name for arsenic trioxide, a highly poisonous white powder used in weed-killers etc. 2 chem. Brittle semi-metallic element. —adj. Of or containing arsenic. [french, ultimately from persian zar gold]

Arson n. Crime of deliberately setting fire to property.  arsonist n. [latin ardeo ars- burn]

Art n. 1 a human creative skill or its application. B work showing this. 2 a (in pl.; prec. By the) branches of creative activity concerned with the production of imaginative designs, sounds, or ideas, e.g. Painting, music, writing. B any one of these. 3 creative activity resulting in visual representation (good at music but not art). 4 human skill as opposed to nature (art and nature combined). 5 (often foll. By of) a skill, knack. B cunning; trick, stratagem. 6 (in pl.; usu. Prec. By the) supposedly creative subjects (esp. Languages, literature, and history) as opposed to scientific, technical, or vocational subjects. [latin ars art-]

Art deco n. Decorative art style of 1910–30, with geometric motifs and strong colours.

Artefact n. (also artifact) man-made object, esp. A tool or vessel as an archaeological item. [latin arte by art, facio make]

Arterial adj. 1 of or like an artery. 2 (esp. Of a road) main, important. [french: related to *artery]

Arteriosclerosis n. Loss of elasticity and thickening of artery walls, esp. In old age. [from *artery, *sclerosis]

Artery n. (pl. -ies) 1 any of the blood-vessels carrying blood from the heart. 2 main road or railway line. [greek, probably from airo raise]

Artesian well n. Well in which water rises to the surface by natural pressure through a vertically drilled hole. [artois, old french province]

Artful adj. Crafty, deceitful.  artfully adv.

Arthritis n. Inflammation of a joint or joints.  arthritic adj. & n. [greek arthron joint]

Arthropod n. Invertebrate with a segmented body and jointed limbs, e.g. An insect, spider, or crustacean. [greek arthron joint, pous pod- foot] Arthropod n. Invertebrate with a segmented body and jointed limbs, e.g. An insect, spider, or crustacean. [greek arthron joint, pous pod- foot]

Artichoke n. 1 plant allied to the thistle. 2 (in full globe artichoke) its partly edible flower-head (see also *jerusalem artichoke). [italian from arabic]

Article —n. 1 item or thing. 2 non-fictional journalistic essay. 3 clause or item in an agreement or contract. 4 definite or indefinite article. —v. (-ling) employ under contract as a trainee. [latin articulus from artus joint]

Articled clerk n. Trainee solicitor.

Articular adj. Of a joint or joints. [latin: related to *article]

Articulate —adj. 1 fluent and clear in speech. 2 (of sound or speech) having clearly distinguishable parts. 3 having joints. —v. (-ting) 1 a pronounce distinctly. B speak or express clearly. 2 (usu. In passive) connect by joints. 3 mark with apparent joints. 4 (often foll. By with) form a joint.  articulately adv.

Articulated lorry n. One with sections connected by a flexible joint.

Articulation n. 1 a speaking or being spoken. B articulate utterance; speech. 2 a act or mode of jointing. B joint. [latin: related to *articulate]

Artifact var. Of *artefact.

Artifice n. 1 trick or clever device. 2 cunning. 3 skill, ingenuity. [latin ars art- art, facio make]

Artificer n. 1 craftsman. 2 skilled military mechanic.

Artificial adj. 1 not natural (artificial lake). 2 imitating nature (artificial flowers). 3 affected, insincere.  artificiality n. Artificially adv. [latin: related to *artifice]

Artificial insemination n. Non-sexual injection of semen into the uterus.

Artificial intelligence n. Use of computers for tasks normally regarded as needing human intelligence.

Artificial respiration n. Manual or mechanical stimulation of breathing.

Artillery n. (pl. -ies) 1 heavy guns used in land warfare. 2 branch of the army using these.  artilleryman n. [french artiller equip]

Artisan n. Skilled manual worker or craftsman. [latin artio instruct in the arts]

Artist n. 1 practitioner of any of the arts, esp. Painting. 2 artiste. 3 person using skill or taste.  artistry n. [french artiste from italian]

Artiste n. Professional performer, esp. A singer or dancer.

Artistic adj. 1 having natural skill in art. 2 skilfully or tastefully done. 3 of art or artists.  artistically adv.

Artless adj. 1 guileless, ingenuous. 2 natural. 3 clumsy.  artlessly adv.

Art nouveau n. Art style of the late 19th century, with flowing lines.

Artwork n. 1 illustrative material in printed matter. 2 works of art collectively (exhibition of children's artwork).

Arty adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Pretentiously or affectedly artistic.

Arum n. Plant with arrow-shaped leaves. [greek aron]

-ary suffix forming adjectives (contrary; primary). [french -aire, latin -ari(u)s]

Aryan —n. 1 speaker of any of the languages of the indo-european family. 2 improperly (in nazi ideology) non-jewish caucasian. —adj. Of aryans. [sanskrit]

As symb. Arsenic.

As1 —adv. & conj. (adv. As antecedent in main sentence; conj. In relative clause expressed or implied) to the extent to which … is or does etc. (am as tall as he; am as tall as he is; (colloq.) Am as tall as him; as recently as last week). —conj. (with relative clause expressed or implied) 1 (with antecedent so) expressing result or purpose (came early so as to meet us). 2 (with antecedent adverb omitted) although (good as it is = although it is good). 3 (without antecedent adverb) a in the manner in which (do as you like; rose as one man). B in the capacity or form of (i speak as your friend; olivier as hamlet). C while (arrived as i was eating). D since, seeing that (as you are here, we can talk). E for instance (cathedral cities, as york). —rel. Pron. As2 n. (pl. Asses) roman copper coin. [latin]

Asafetida n. (brit. Asafoetida) resinous pungent plant gum used in cooking and formerly in medicine. [persian aza mastic: related to *fetid]

arsons the best word on this batch

lovely word <333

[zaprowsdower27]

In our defense human babies are born like nine months early, physioligically speaking, compared to other primates, to ensure they can fit out of a tailless bipedal pelvis.

Don't compare a human newborn to babies of other species, compare a nine-month-old to one-year-old human to newborns of other species because that's what a human newborn would be if we weren't trying this damnfool bipedal ape business.

[danihost-blog]

What is a Monkey?

A monkey is a tailless, humanlike primate of tropical and subtropical regions. Monkeys are very intelligent, inquisitive animals. Their brain development, coupled with their free hands and well-developed vision, allows them a wide range of activities. They often solve problems creatively and invent new behaviours, but they do not reach the intellectual levels of the great apes. Some, like…

[greenbagjosh]

31 May 2002 - Opening game of FIFA World Cup with surprise result, tailless apes of Gibraltar and tandoori chicken wings for supper

Good morning!  Buenos Dias!  Sabah alkhayri!

Our adventure in southern Europe still carries on.  Yesterday we were in Morocco, specifically Tetuan and Tangier.  We spent two nights in Ceuta at the Hotel La Muralla on the west side of Plaza de Africa.  We were going to return to continental Europe, fetch the car and drive to La Linea de la Concepcion and walk to Gibraltar.  We were not able to visit Gibraltar in the 1970s as Spain and the UK did not restore diplomatic ties until about 1986 or so.  The land border between Spain and Gibraltar has been open since 1986, and I am not aware of any specific temporary closures.

Incidentally today would be the opening day for the FIFA World Cup 2002, when France were to play against Senegal as the opening match for Group A.  I would find out about the result later that day.  

We woke up in time to have breakfast at the hotel, including a bowl of Nampy Wampy’s, catch a taxi to the ferry port and then take the ferry to Algeciras, back in Europe.  We boarded a 10 AM ferry and were in Algeciras about 11 AM.  The car was still in its spot that we left it in the parking garage.  We had to pay to be let out.  I think the fee was the equivalent of 80 dollars.  Dad had a bit of a mishap with his prescription sunglasses but he had a screwdriver to tighten the handles the way he wanted.  Then we drove off.  He did not like listening to the BFBS FM radio station, so I made a note of its frequency so that I could listen later.  

We drove along the A-7 which is toll-free between Algeciras and La Linea de la Concepcion.  We turned onto CA-34 and went as far as Avenida del Ejercito to avoid the long lines into Gibraltar.  We had reserved one night at the parking garage at Plaza de la Constitucion.  We entered at the south end, parked our car underground and took our luggage to the border across the Avenida Principe de Asturias.  We passed the passport control station just fine.  We boarded a bus that would take us at least to the Market Place terminus not far from Roy's Fish and Chips.  The bus was a former UK bus with the steering wheel on the right, and was retrofitted with doors on the right.  When I returned in 2017, Gibraltar was using more conventional busses meant originally for continental Europe right-hand traffic use.  Two things strange about Gibraltar were that traffic was on the right and speed limits were posted in kilometers an hour, quite different from the UK which drives on the left and speed limits are in miles per hour.  The give way signs had the words "Give way", where in Spain and most of continental Europe they are just a plain downward triangle with a red border.  Traffic signals are more or less the same as they are in the UK excluding Jersey.  A few minutes after the bus left the airport terminal stop, it crossed the runway and passed the roundabout that intersected with Devil's Tower Road, and then Glacis Road to end at Market Place.  

After the bus dropped us off at Market Place, we walked along Main Street to the Bristol Hotel, close to the anglican cathedral at Cathedral Square and Bomb House Lane.  We checked into the Bristol Hotel, left our bags, and walked to the Cable Car base station, past the Magistrates Court, where on 20th March 1969, Yoko Ono and John Lennon were legally married.  We all went up with the cable car to the top of the rock.  For about 45 minutes, we were on the top of the rock of Gibraltar, and we could see into Algeciras, into Morocco and the Mediterranean Sea.   Along the way we could see the tailless apes.  We did not try to pet them as they are wild.  They did not cause us any trouble but I have heard stories about one of them taking a tourist's camera and smashing it to bits.  That did not happen to me, thankfully.

We went down the cable car and walked back to the hotel to rest.  I went into town and agreed to be back by 6:30 PM.  I went to the Market Square to see if I could buy some music CDs.  I ended up buying "She wants you" by Billie Piper, "No matter what I do" by Will Mellor and the debut CD by Sophie Ellis Bextor "Read my lips".  I remember Sophie Ellis Bextor with "Groovejet (If this ain't love)" and "Murder on the dancefloor".  She had also released "Get over you" which was being played on the local radio stations but was not on the CD.  I was disappointed that I could not remember the band A-Ha and their latest CD "Lifelines", and I could not look them up since Google did not exist and my cellphone was only a monochrome Siemens S40 that would obviously not be able to show Google as we know it in the mid 2020s.  I would have to wait until the 5th June to try again, I would have better luck then.

About 7 PM we went to the Mumtaz Indian restaurant on Cornwall's Lane.  It was on a narrow street, and was a nice hole in the wall restaurant.  I had a pint of Kingfisher and the mixed tandoori grill, which was a couple of chicken wings, ground lamb about the size of a bratwurst, rice and vegetables.  It was very good.  About 9 PM we walked back to our hotel and went to sleep.  

I woke up again about 10 PM and turned on my radio to tune in BFBS FM.  BFBS is the British Forces Broadcasting Service, which still plays pop music for the troops stationed in Gibraltar and many other places in the world that have a British presence.  The first thing I did was record a segment where Pele of Brazil was being interviewed by a BFBS staff member about the 1958 FIFA World Cup that was played in Sweden, and Brazil had won the cup that year.  I have it still on a C-90 cassette.  The next thing I recorded from BFBS was about 90 minutes of "The Session" by the Ministry of Sound featuring Above and Beyond.  It featured music by Fragma, Sylver, Sono, Ian Van Dahl, Lasgo and Ascension.  The set ended with "For a lifetime" by Ascension before the 11 PM news was read.  

To answer about the result of the Senegal vs France opening match for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Senegal beat France 1 to 0.  France had won the 1998 FIFA World Cup against Brazil.  The game was held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul, South Korea, about 62,000 were in attendance.  Bouba Diop scored the only goal at the 30th minute.  It was quite an upset of a game.  

Her Majesty the Queen’s 50th golden jubilee was being planned for later in the following month.  She would have begun her reign in 1952 and 2002 would be 50 years following that.

I recorded some more music the next morning.  We would leave Gibraltar by taxicab and cross at the airport into Spain to collect our car and drive to El Puerto de Santa Maria by the A-381.  And then we would see a bullfight in Sanlucar de la Barrameda.  To date, that was the very last bullfight I would see ever since.  I hope you will join me even if you do not like bullfighting.

Hasta manana y buenas noches!

[the-rose-owl]

.

[dearevanhansenofficial]

4TH ANNUAL DEAR EVAN HANSEN COLLEGE ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGE 2022

In partnership with Gotham Writers and the Broadway Education Alliance, Dear Evan Hansen invited students across North America to write a college-application style essay that describes an experience with or ideas about reinvention at any stage of their life.

READ FINALIST SUMEDHA’S FULL ESSAY:

My biology teacher told us once in passing that every seven years, the human body's cells are fully replaced. One day, each of us will own a body that never missed that serve in volleyball, never bubbled D instead of C on that AP exam, never clenched that fist instead of opening that mouth. One day, my friend will own a body that was never pinned down against the backseat of a car on prom night. One day, I will own a body that never felt the pinch of fingernails in the girls' bathroom, that never tasted the hiss of, "terrorist," when a stranger put her lips against my ear. One day, our bodies will be clean.

At least, according to science, they will.

I, however, disagree.

I postulate that reinvention is impossible. Which is to say, there is no such thing as a clean slate. We are molded by our painful experiences, and we would be doing ourselves a disservice by denying the weight of such formative moments.

I will never have an opportunity for reinvention. Nor will my friends, my peers, my teachers, my family. We are shaped by our natures and our circumstances — sexual assault, racism, xenophobia, generational trauma. We cannot deny the crushing weight of white supremacy, the enduring legacy of colonialism, and the persistent system of gender discrimination in our world. We cannot rid ourselves of these memories and foundations, even if we rip pages from our family scrapbooks.

I do, however, advocate that we can take these forms of pain and channel them into energy. We cannot reinvent the same way phoenixes do, the same way our bodies do — we cannot rid ourselves of our former shells entirely. We can only grow into and step out of them, transcending beyond our environments and innate qualities to pursue goals bigger than ourselves.

I realize this sounds like a pretty heavy revelation to have before I can legally buy a lottery ticket. I can't pinpoint that moment when I turned from feeling pessimistic and helpless to zealous and determined about my control over my identity — but I do remember the first time we did whittling in art class.

It was a Friday, and I was soaring through the project — I thought it might be the first time I could finish something that didn't end up looking like a platypus in a fedora — but I got distracted halfway through, and I accidentally cut the tail off my fox. For a few moments I was so furious that I had to set down my knife (lest I turned it on my neighbor's budding creation out of pure spite), but, after a few deep breaths, I set myself back to work and transformed my tailless fox into a weird looking (but rather adorable, if I do say so myself) dog. As I smoothed my new creation's legs and tried to carve a little poodle tail from what was meant to be a rich plume, I was surprised by how much calmer I felt. The distinctive snout of the fox was still there, but now it was a fox that looked like it belonged in front of the Eiffel Tower with a beret and a baguette.

Every student that is lucky enough to access higher education has the right to be excited for a variety of reasons — at long last, we can stay up past 1 am and review textbooks and gorge ourselves with Ramen, and no one can stop us! I'm looking forward to a million things about college, but most clearly, I see it as an opportunity to grow what I've built for my past sixteen years of life. I look forward to joining a community of learners, thinkers, and doers. I am eager for a new environment in which I can confront my past, grapple with my present, and further whittle a stronger, brighter, more equal future.

Sumedha Yarlagadda Sun Prairie West High School Sun Prairie, WI

[pixoplanet]

It's October 24th, 🐵 International Gibbon Day! On this day in 2015, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) established this special day to draw worldwide attention to the plight of these magnificent “forest singer” apes. Yes, although Gibbons are often referred to as monkeys, they’re not monkey; they’re apes – “lesser apes,” as opposed to their larger “great ape” cousins – gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, bonobos, and humans.

Like all apes, Gibbons are tailless. They differ from the great apes in that they are smaller, exhibit low sexual dimorphism, and don’t make nests. Also unlike the great apes (except humans), gibbons frequently form long-term pair bonds. Their primary mode of locomotion is brachiation, which involves swinging through the trees from branch to branch and walking bipedally on branches or on the ground with their arms raised for balance.

The 20 different species of gibbons are all in danger of extinction due to habitat loss. They live in the rainforests of Bangladesh, India, China, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia. The primary aim of International Gibbon Day is to make the public, especially youngsters, aware of the Gibbons’ dire situation and solicit our help in securing their future. They’re definitely worth saving, aren’t they? ☮️ Peace… Jamiese of Pixoplanet

[xaallo]

Yet another Margaven with Xeno-ancestry uploaded at nearly 4am :3

This doe is a Hum-Margaven or a Terra-Margaven, a Margaven with human ancestry. Didn’t turn out to be as much of a gremlin as we all thought they would. Human traits are more subtle, but manifest in the pointed (but ultimately shorter) snout which is much more pronounced than in other kinds of margavens. It also has a bit of dorsal ridge, another human earmark. Speaking of ears, this girls are a lot more rounded towards the tip as well as being smaller and not as mobile. Eyes are large, reflecting the relative neoteny of the human face compared to other apes. More prominent lips, too.

Most notably, there is an area around the face that is completely devoid of fur (judging from the skin of this girl, parent is probably PoC). Scales of the nose give way to smooth skin, which then turns into the fur. The hairless area is an earmark from humanity and a rather obvious one. In some margavens, this hairless area can encompass more things, such as around the eyes and even the cheekbones. Perhaps even most of the head, like the ‘dish’ of an owl...

The antlers on these margavens would rarely be impressive, I feel, since humans themselves don’t really have much in the way of like ornamentation. You’d mostly be seeing small to average ones. Tailless Margavens would also be common here.

If you’re a human and you get familiar with a marg, there’s a tiny chance you pop out one of these!

If this girl’s color school looks familiar, it’s because she was designed with Okaal in mind.