Pithecoid
/ˈpɪθɪkɔɪd/noun
Resembling an ape or monkey in form or appearance.
Did you know?Pithecoid combines Greek píthēkos, “ape,” with -oeidēs, “resembling,” the same shape-related element behind words such as anthropoid and humanoid.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*weyd-
“To see or know; the ancient root underlying Greek eîdos, “form” or “appearance.””
Ancient Greek
Greek
píthēkos (πίθηκος)
“A monkey or ape.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
eîdos (εἶδος)
“Form, shape, appearance, or visible nature.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
pithēkoeidḗs (πιθηκοειδής)
“Ape-like or resembling an ape, formed from píthēkos plus -oeidēs.”
19th Century
English
pithecoid
“Resembling an ape; used especially in anatomical, zoological, and anthropological description.”
Modern English
English
pithecoid
“A technical adjective describing ape-like form or characteristics.”