vari
/ˈvaːri/
noun
Origin
Malagasy
vari — ring-tailed lemur
Overview
Meaning Now
- A Malagasy name for the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta).
Language path
Malagasy
Earliest form
vari
Earliest period
18th century
Journey
The term 'vari' originates from the Malagasy language used in Madagascar, specifically referring to the distinctive ring-tailed lemur. While the term 'lemur' became the standard taxonomic name, 'vari' remains a common local name in the island's dialects.
Evolution
- 18th century Malagasy
vari
“lemur species”
- 19th century European naturalism
vari
“the ring-tailed lemur”
Adopted into taxonomy and zoological literature
Connections
Related across languages
Malagasy
ring-tailed lemur
Explore next
Related to vari
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.