lemur etymology

Etymology:

The word "lemur" derives from the Latin word "lemures," which refers to the spirits of the dead or malevolent ghosts feared by the ancient Romans.

Meaning:

The term "lemur" was first applied to these animals by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, who referred to them as "nocturnal lemurs" due to their nocturnal habits and resemblance to the spirits of the dead.

Origin:

The ultimate origin of the word "lemures" is uncertain, but several theories exist:

• Indo-European Root: It is suggested that the root of "lemures" may be the Proto-Indo-European form "*ley-," meaning "to die."
• Etruscan Influence: Some scholars believe that the word may have originated from the Etruscan "lemur," which referred to a type of evil spirit.
• Onomatopoeia: It is also proposed that the sound "lemur" imitates the haunting, mournful cries made by some species of lemurs.

Therefore, the word "lemur" carries the connotation of nocturnal, ghostly creatures, which reflects the perception of these animals by ancient observers.

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