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prehuman

adjective pre·hu·man \ (ˈ)prē-ˈhyü-mən , -ˈyü- \
Updated on: 3 May 2018
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Definition of prehuman

1 : antedating the appearance of human beings
2 : of, relating to, or being an extinct primate and especially an extinct hominid that resembles or is ancestral to humans

First Known Use of prehuman

1844

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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prehuman

noun

Definition of prehuman

: an extinct primate and especially an extinct hominid that resembles or is ancestral to humans

Recent Examples of prehuman from the Web

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

First Known Use of prehuman

1922

in the meaning defined above

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