Hominid
/ˈhɒm.ɪ.nɪd/noun
A member of the biological family Hominidae, which includes humans and their fossil ancestors.
Did you know?The term 'hominid' reveals our deep evolutionary roots, linking us to not just humans but also to great apes like gorillas and chimpanzees, highlighting our shared past!
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰeǵʰ-
“to set in motion or to put in place, suggesting a foundational connection to being or existence.”
Latin
Latin
hominis
“of man, emphasizing the human aspect and our place in the natural world.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
hominid-, hominidae
“referring to the family of man and related species.”
20th Century
English
hominid
“scientific classification that includes modern humans and our close relatives, marking a significant evolution in understanding human ancestry.”