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protohuman

/ˌproʊtoʊˈhuːmən/ noun · British & US
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What does protohuman mean?

A protohuman is a hypothetical early ancestor of humans or a being that exhibits characteristics of both humans and other primates. This term is often used in scientific and academic contexts to describe early human ancestors, and it has shed light on human evolution. The discovery of protohuman fossils has provided evidence of human evolution, and it is thought that protohuman species lived during the Pleistocene era. The study of protohumans is an important part of anthropology and has helped us understand the origins of the human species.

noun

A protohuman refers to a hypothetical early ancestor of humans or a being that exhibits characteristics of both humans and other primates.

Senses
  1. A hypothetical early ancestor of humans.
  2. A being that exhibits characteristics of both humans and other primates.
Example

"The fossil record provides evidence of protohuman species that lived millions of years ago."

More examples

"The discovery of protohuman fossils has shed light on human evolution."

"The protohuman species is thought to have lived during the Pleistocene era."

Plural protohumans

The plural form 'protohumans' is used to refer to multiple early human ancestors or beings.

Example

"The fossil record provides evidence of many protohumans that lived millions of years ago."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymology of protohuman

The term 'protohuman' originated from the Greek words 'protos', meaning 'first', and 'human', referring to humans. It has been used in scientific and academic contexts since the 19th century to describe early human ancestors.

Usage notes

The term 'protohuman' is often used in scientific and academic contexts to describe early human ancestors.

Synonyms for protohuman

Rhymes with protohuman