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Definition of tarsier
tarsier
/ˈtɑːr.si.ɚ/
tar · si · er
Plural:tarsiers
tarsier Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
tarsier Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A small, nocturnal leaping primate native to the islands of Southeast Asia (family Tarsiidae), distinguished by its enormously enlarged eyes, elongated hind legs adapted for jumping, and the ability to rotate its head almost 180 degrees.
Example
"During our night trek in the Philippine rainforest, our guide used a dim red light to point out a tiny tarsier clinging vertically to a bamboo stalk."
Word Origin & Etymology
From French 'tarsier', coined by French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon in 1765. The name references the animal's exceptionally long tarsal (ankle) bones, which adapt it for powerful leaping.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tarsier. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tarsier