Australopithecus

noun

Aus·​tra·​lo·​pith·​e·​cus

-ˈpithikəs

: a genus of extinct early hominids of southern and eastern Africa comprising the australopithecines when considered to include both the gracile and robust forms

The advanced prehuman Australopithecus first appears in the middle Pliocene, 3.5 million years ago …

—John Van Couvering, Natural History, June 1992

Two or more species of hominids did coexist in the past, when the Australopithecus man-apes in addition to an early Homo lived in Africa.

—Edward O. Wilson, Sociobiology, 1980

Note: The genus Australopithecus often includes only the gracile australopithecines with the robust forms being placed in the genus Paranthropus.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin australis southern + New Latin -o- + -pithecus

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now