What does loris mean?
A loris is a small, mostly nocturnal primate native to the forests of South and Southeast Asia. The best-known member of the group is the slow loris, which moves deliberately and is often associated with South Asian wildlife. Lorises are distinct from lemurs, which are native to Madagascar, although both groups are sometimes loosely described as prosimian primates. A loris has large forward-facing eyes, a compact body, and strong limbs adapted for gripping branches. Its gentle appearance can be misleading: slow lorises can produce venomous secretions and deliver a defensive bite. The word also has an older British theatrical meaning for a comic performer, particularly a clown in pantomime, but that sense is now dated. In ordinary English, loris is therefore most useful when discussing distinctive Asian primates, their behavior, habitat, and conservation.
nounA small, slow-moving, nocturnal, arboreal primate of the family Lorisidae, native to South and Southeast Asia. In older British usage, a loris was a comic performer or clown, especially in pantomime.
- A small, slow-moving, nocturnal, arboreal primate of the family Lorisidae, native to South and Southeast Asia.
- Dated British theatrical usage: a clown or comic performer, especially in pantomime.
"A slow loris clung motionless to a branch in the tropical forest."
"The slow loris moved carefully through the branches, its large eyes adjusting to the darkness."
"The slender loris rested against a tree trunk while a researcher observed it from a safe distance."
The regular plural takes -es.
"Conservationists tracked several lorises through the forest canopy."
The slow loris is one of the world’s few venomous primates, turning its seemingly gentle appearance into a surprising defense.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does loris come from?
The English word loris was borrowed through French loris, ultimately from a Malay word referring to a small monkey. Its later English development was influenced by zoological writing about the distinctive primates of South Asia. The same name was also applied in older British theatre to a comic performer.
How loris is actually used
In modern usage, loris ordinarily denotes an Asian primate and may refer to the slender loris or the closely related slow lorises. The theatrical sense is historical and uncommon today.
Easily confused with loris
Lorises belong to the family Lorisidae and are native to Asia, whereas lemurs belong to the family Lemuridae and are native to Madagascar.