siamang

[ see-uh-mang ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a large, black gibbon, Hylobates syndactylus, of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, having very long arms and the second and third digits partially united by a web of skin: an endangered species.

siamang

/ ˈsaɪəˌmæŋ /

a large black gibbon, Hylobates (or Symphalangus ) syndactylus, of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, having a large reddish-brown vocal sac beneath the chin and the second and third toes united

Origin of siamang¹

Borrowed into English from Malay around 1815–25

Origin of siamang¹

C19: from Malay

Several different kinds of gibbons are known, the largest of which is the siamang.

Mrs. Mingo ascended to the cross-trees, where she and the gentleman siamang seemed to hold a conference.

M. Duvaucel, likewise, affirms that the cry of the Siamang may be heard for miles—making the woods ring again.

A Siamang, however, was seen by Mr. Bennett to seize and devour greedily a live lizard.

The siamang differs from the other species of long-armed apes in the formation of its feet and in several other characteristics.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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