tarsier

 
Pronunciation: /ˈtɑːsɪə/

noun

  • a small insectivorous, tree-dwelling, nocturnal primate with very large eyes, a long tufted tail, and very long hindlimbs, native to the islands of SE Asia.
    • Family Tarsiidae and genus Tarsius, suborder Prosimii: four species

Origin:

late 18th century: from French, from tarse 'tarsus', with reference to the animal's long tarsal bones