homunculus
ho·mun·cu·lus
noun \hō-ˈməŋ-kyə-ləs\ plural ho·mun·cu·li\-ˌlī, -ˌlē\
Definition of HOMUNCULUS
1
: a little man : manikin
2
: a miniature adult that in the theory of preformation is held to inhabit the germ cell and to produce a mature individual merely by an increase in size
Origin of HOMUNCULUS
Latin, diminutive of homin-, homo human being — more at homage
First Known Use: 1656
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