hominid
UK: ˈhɒmɪnɪd | US: ˈhɑːmɪnɪd
n. Any member of the biological family Hominidae, which includes modern humans, extinct human species, and all their immediate ancestors.
n. (Colloquial) A human or human-like creature.
The term "hominid" derives from the Latin homo (meaning "human") combined with the suffix -id, used in taxonomy to indicate familial classification. The root homin- reflects its focus on human lineage, while -id (from Greek -idēs) signifies membership in a biological family. The word emerged in the 19th century alongside advances in evolutionary science to categorize humans and their closest relatives (e.g., great apes). Its structure mirrors other taxonomic terms like felid (cat family) or canid (dog family), emphasizing scientific precision.
Fossil evidence suggests early hominids walked upright over four million years ago.
The museum exhibit compares the skulls of various hominids.
Scientists debate whether Neanderthals should be classified as hominids or a separate branch.
Hominids share a common ancestor with modern chimpanzees.
The discovery of a new hominid species reshaped our understanding of human evolution.