How Do You Spell MONKEY-CUP?

Pronunciation: [mˈʌnkɪkˈʌp] (IPA)

The word "Monkey-cup" can be spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈmʌŋki kʌp/. The first syllable - "mun" is pronounced with a short vowel sound, like in "mud". The second syllable - "key" is pronounced with a long vowel sound, like in "key". The final syllable - "cup" is pronounced with a short vowel sound, like in "cup". The term "Monkey-cup" is a name given to a type of carnivorous plant, which is named after the shape of its pitcher resembling that of a monkey's cup.

MONKEY-CUP Meaning and Definition

  1. A monkey-cup refers to a specific type of carnivorous plant belonging to the Nepenthes genus. These striking plants are mainly found in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, including countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The term "monkey-cup" is derived from the plant's distinctive cup-shaped structure that resembles a cup or pitcher, often favored by monkeys for drinking.

    The monkey-cup plant is characterized by its unique adaptation for trapping and digesting insects as a supplement to its nutritional needs. Its specialized pitcher-shaped leaves have a slippery rim that deters prey from escaping once they have fallen inside. The pitcher contains a combination of digestive fluids, enzymes, and stagnant water that work together to break down and extract nutrients from the captured insects.

    Depending on the species, monkey-cups can vary in size, with some reaching lengths up to 30 centimeters or more. They often exhibit vibrant colors, patterns, and intricate designs on their pitchers, making them aesthetically appealing to plant enthusiasts.

    Monkey-cups are regarded as fascinating botanical curiosities due to their complex adaptations and carnivorous nature, which sets them apart from most other plant species. They play an essential ecological role by contributing to insect control and nutrient cycling in their native habitats. Owing to their distinctive appearance and intriguing behavior, monkey-cups can be found in botanical gardens and are admired and studied by researchers, plant collectors, and nature enthusiasts around the world.

Common Misspellings for MONKEY-CUP

Etymology of MONKEY-CUP

The word "Monkey-cup" comes from the combination of two sources: "monkey" and "cup".

The term "Monkey" is derived from the Old High German word "munke", which means "monkey" or "ape". It originated from the Middle Latin word "monachus", which also means "monkey" or "ape". Over time, "monkey" became the commonly used term in English to refer to small primates.

The word "cup" is derived from the Old English word "cuppe". It has Indo-European origins and can be traced back to the Latin word "cuppa", which means "a small vessel", "a cup", or "a drinking vessel".

When combined, the term "monkey-cup" is used to refer to a cup-like plant structure found in certain species of carnivorous plants, specifically from the genus "Nepenthes".