anthropophilous
|an-thro-po-phil-ous|
/ˌænθrəˈfɪləs/
attracted to humans
Etymology
'anthropophilous' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'ánthrōpos' and 'phílos', where 'ánthrōpos' meant 'human' and 'phílos' meant 'loving'.
'anthropophilous' was formed as a New Latin/scientific compound from Greek elements and entered English usage (especially in entomology) in the late 19th to early 20th century.
Initially, it meant 'loving or being attracted to humans' in technical contexts (e.g., entomology); that primary sense has been retained in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
(chiefly biology, of an organism, esp. an insect) attracted to or preferring humans as hosts or sources of blood/food
Many malaria vectors are anthropophilous and bite humans more often than animals.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
(rare) having a liking for or affinity toward humans; man-loving
The character was described as unusually anthropophilous, enjoying company and human contact.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/26 16:42