Anthropoidea
|an-thro-poi-de-a|
🇺🇸
/ˌænθrəpəˈɪdiə/
🇬🇧
/ˌænθrəpəˈiːdiə/
human-like primates
Etymology
'Anthropoidea' originates from New Latin, formed from Greek elements: 'anthrōpos' meaning 'human' and the suffix '-oidea' from Greek 'eidos' meaning 'form' or 'resemblance'.
'Anthropoidea' was coined in modern scientific (New Latin) taxonomy in the 19th century from Greek roots; the term entered scientific English usage without major phonological change.
Initially constructed to denote a group resembling humans ('human-like' forms), it came to be used specifically for the taxonomic grouping of simian primates in zoology.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a taxonomic grouping (traditionally a suborder or infraorder) of primates that includes monkeys, apes, and humans; also called the simians.
Anthropoidea is a major group in primate classification, encompassing monkeys and apes.
Synonyms
Noun 2
members of the group Anthropoidea; an anthropoid primate (used when referring collectively or to individual members).
Paleontologists compared fossils attributed to Anthropoidea to understand primate evolution.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/17 11:33