1. plural of lemur; small primates native to Madagascar with long tails, large eyes, and fox-like faces
Usage: zoology; plural form
2. in Roman mythology, spirits of the dead or ghosts
Usage: archaic; classical mythology

Examples

• The lemures at the zoo attracted crowds of visitors who watched them leap through the trees.
• Ring-tailed lemures are known for their distinctive black-and-white striped tails.
• Several species of lemures are endangered due to habitat loss in Madagascar.
• The ancient Romans believed lemures were restless spirits that haunted the living.
• Lemures are primates found nowhere else in the world except Madagascar.