aping
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ape
(āp)n.
1. Any of various tailless Old World primates of the superfamily Hominoidea, including the gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans.
2. Any of various members of this superfamily bearing fur and usually living in the wild, especially orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees, in contrast to humans. Not in scientific use.
3. A tailed primate such as a monkey. Not in scientific use.
4. A mimic or imitator.
5. Informal A clumsy or boorish person.
tr.v. aped, ap·ing, apes
Idiom: To imitate or mimic, especially in a thoughtless or inept way. See Synonyms at imitate.
go ape Informal
To become wildly excited or angry: went ape at the party; went ape when she saw the parking ticket.
[Middle English, from Old English apa.]
ap′er n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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aping
nounThe American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.