ANTHROPOID Meaning and
Definition
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Anthropoid is an adjective that describes something or someone having characteristics similar to those of a human being, specifically with regards to physical appearance or behavior. The term is primarily used to refer to non-human primates, particularly the great apes such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans, who share certain anatomical and behavioral resemblances with human beings.
In the field of anthropology, anthropoid is used to distinguish humans and their closest evolutionary relatives from other members of the animal kingdom. These similarities include having an upright posture, highly developed hands and fingers capable of grasping and manipulation, as well as forward-facing eyes that provide depth perception. Anthropoid primates also possess complex social structures, intellectual abilities, and strategic problem-solving skills.
The term "anthropoid" is derived from the Greek words "anthrōpos," meaning human, and "-oid," indicating likeness or resemblance. It was introduced by the German biologist Ernst Haeckel in the 19th century to categorize the primate order that includes humans and their closest relatives.
While anthropoid generally refers to non-human primates, it can also be used more broadly to describe anything that resembles a human being in appearance or behavior. For example, in the context of science fiction or fantasy literature, an anthropoid creature could refer to an extraterrestrial species or humanoid beings created through genetic manipulation.
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1. Resembling man in structure and form. 2. One of the monkeys resembling man, an ape.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Applied to those species of the monkey which most nearly approach the human form.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ANTHROPOID
Etymology of ANTHROPOID
The word "anthropoid" is derived from the Greek roots "anthropos", meaning "human", and "eidos", meaning "form" or "shape". When combined, these roots create the term anthropoid, which literally translates to "human-like" or "in the form of a human". In scientific terminology, anthropoid is used to describe a particular group of primates that includes humans, apes, and Old World monkeys.
Similar spelling words for ANTHROPOID
- Anthropidae,
- anhidrosis,
- anhydrous,
- antheridium,
- anthropolatry,
- andromeda,
- anthropogenic,
- android,
- anthropical,
- Anthropology,
- anthropogeny,
- anthribidae,
- andropogon,
- antherozoid,
- Anthropidæ,
- anthracosis,
- anthropoidea,
- antheridial,
- anhydrosis,
- antrozous,
- anthropic,
- anteroom,
- anthropometry,
- anadromous,
- anthropoidal,
- anatropous.
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