baboon
UK[bəˈbuːn]US[bæˈbuːn]
n
a large monkey found in africa and south asia that has a long face like a dog and large teeth
Etymology
the word 'baboon' entered english in the late middle english period, borrowed from the old french 'babuin'. this french term, meaning 'gaping figure' or 'grimace', likely originated as a derogatory nickname. the old french word itself is thought to derive from the medieval latin 'babewynus', a term for a grotesque figure or gargoyle, which may have roots in an old french word for 'lip' ('babine'). the semantic journey reflects how the animal's distinctive, dog-like muzzle and facial expressions were perceived as grotesque or caricatured by european observers, leading to its naming.
Analysis
this word is a loanword adopted as a single unit. it does not contain separable morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
a large male baboon sat on the rock, keeping watch over the troop.
the researchers observed the baboon's complex social hierarchy for months.
the sound of the baboon's bark echoed through the canyon.