potto

noun

pot·​to ˈpä-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce potto (audio)
plural pottos
: any of several African primates (genus Perodicticus)
especially : a nocturnal slow-moving arboreal primate (P. potto) with woolly brownish fur and a vestigial index finger

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Wolof pata, a tailless monkey

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potto was in 1763

Dictionary Entries Near potto

Cite this Entry

“Potto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potto. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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