any monkey of the genus Macaca, chiefly of Asia, characterized by cheek pouches and, usually, a short tail: several species are threatened or endangered.
Origin: 1690–1700; < F < Pg macaco monkey. See macaco
E. Indian monkey, 1757, from Fr., from Port. macaco "monkey," a Bantu word brought from Africa to Brazil (where it was applied 17c. to a type of monkey there). Introduced as a genus name 1840.
Main Entry: ma·caque Pronunciation: m&-'kak, -'käk Function: noun : any of numerous short-tailed Old World monkeys of the genus Macacaand related genera chiefly of southern Asia and the East Indies; especially:RHESUS MONKEY