ScienceJuly 15, 2026
vernacular
/vərˈnækyələr/
Definition
The language or names used by the ordinary people of a specific region or group, as opposed to formal or scientific terminology.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'vernaculus,' meaning 'native' or 'domestic,' which comes from 'verna,' a home-born slave. It evolved into English to describe the everyday speech of a particular country or locality.
In the news
The article uses the term to distinguish the local name 'likweli' from the formal scientific name given to the monkey by researchers. This highlights how traditional knowledge complements academic discoveries.
Striking new species of African monkey discovered deep in the Congo rainforest
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!