langur
UK[lʌŋˈɡʊə]US[lʌŋˈɡʊr]
n
A type of long-tailed arboreal monkey found in South and Southeast Asia, belonging to the genus Presbytis and related genera.
Etymology
The word 'langur' entered the English lexicon in the early 19th century, borrowed directly from Hindi. Its journey into English reflects the colonial-era encounters with the diverse fauna of the Indian subcontinent. The Hindi term's ultimate origins are obscure but may trace back to a Dravidian language, highlighting the complex linguistic history of the region. The word's logic is not compositional from classical roots but is a direct phonetic adoption, now serving as the standard zoological name for a specific group of Old World monkeys.
Analysis
This word is a loanword from Hindi (लंगूर, laṅgūr), which itself is of uncertain deeper origin, possibly from a Dravidian source. It functions as a simplex noun in English.
Examples
A troop of gray langurs leaped gracefully between the temple ruins.
The langur's diet consists mainly of leaves, fruits, and flowers.
Researchers observed the mother langur carefully grooming her infant.