1. largest ape: the largest ape, with a relatively short but very powerful body and coarse dark hair. Native to: central Africa. Latin name Gorilla gorilla.
2. thug: somebody who is regarded as large or brutal, especially a hired thug
(
informal
)
[Mid-19th century. Via modern Latin< Greek gorillas]
Spelling Note
Do not confuse the spelling of gorilla and guerrilla ("a paramilitary soldier"), which sound similar.
