Homo

/hoh"moh/, n.

1. (italics) the genus of bipedal primates that includes modern humans and several extinct forms, distinguished by their large brains and a dependence upon tools. Cf. archaic Homo.

2. Informal. (sometimes l.c.)

a. a member of the genus Homo.

b. the species Homo sapiens or one of its members.

[1590-1600; < L homo man; OL hemo the earthly one (see HUMUS); akin to L humanus HUMAN; c. OE guma, OIr duine, Welsh dyn man, Lith zmónes men]

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I

Genus of the family Hominidae of primates characterized by a relatively large cranium (braincase), limb structure adapted to an erect posture and a two-footed gait, well-developed and fully opposable thumb, hand capable of power and precision grips, and the ability to make precision tools.

The genus includes modern humans (Homo sapiens), the extinct species H. habilis and H. erectus, and the extinct forms of H. sapiens called Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon.

II

(as used in expressions)

Homo erectus

Homo habilis

Homo sapiens

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▪ hominin genus

      genus of the family Hominidae (order Primates (primate)) characterized by a relatively large cranial capacity, limb structure adapted to a habitual erect posture and a bipedal gait, well-developed and fully opposable thumb, hand capable of power and precision grips, and the ability to make standardized precision tools, using one tool to make another. Together with modern man, Homo sapiens, the genus includes the extinct species H. habilis (Homo habilis), H. erectus (Homo erectus), and H. heidelbergensis (Homo heidelbergensis) as well as the extinct Neanderthals (H. neanderthalensis) and the early form of H. sapiens called Cro-Magnon.

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