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anthropoid

noun an·thro·poid \ ˈan(t)-thrə-ˌpȯid \
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Definition of anthropoid

1 : any of a suborder (Anthropoidea) of higher primates (such as macaques and marmosets); especially : ape 1b
2 : a person resembling an ape
  • the howling anthropoids of the Hookworm Belt
  • —H. L. Mencken
—

anthropoid

adjective

Recent Examples of anthropoid from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anthropoid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

With its suffix -oid, meaning "resembling", the word anthropoid means literally "resembling a human being". Anthropoid apes are so called because they resemble humans more closely than do other primates such as monkeys and lemurs. Some even spend a good deal of time walking on their hind legs. Anthropoids are, of course, highly intelligent (though maybe no more so than many monkeys), and some of them use sticks and stones as tools. (But if you call someone an anthropoid, you're probably not complimenting his intelligence.)

Origin and Etymology of anthropoid

Greek anthrōpoeidēs resembling a human, from anthrōpos

Medical Dictionary

1

anthropoid

adjective an·thro·poid \ ˈan(t)-thrə-ˌpȯid \

medical Definition of anthropoid

1 : resembling humans —used especially of apes of the family Pongidae
2 of the pelvis : having a relatively great anteroposterior dimension — compare android, gynecoid, platypelloid
2

anthropoid

noun

medical Definition of anthropoid

: ape 2

Learn More about anthropoid

  1. See words that rhyme with anthropoid Spanish Central: Translation of anthropoid Nglish: Translation of anthropoid for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anthropoid

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