physical anthropology

noun

: anthropology concerned with the comparative study of human evolution, variation, and classification especially through measurement and observation compare cultural anthropology
physical anthropologist noun

Examples of physical anthropology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In February, Enríquez became the chair of graduate studies in physical anthropology at the National School of Anthropology and History. Amy Reed-Sandoval, The New Yorker, 25 July 2024 The Post last year examined the grisly legacy of Ales Hrdlicka, who led the physical anthropology department at the U.S. National Museum, the precursor to the Natural History Museum, for most of the first half of the 20th century. Claire Healy, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of physical anthropology was in 1841

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Cite this Entry

“Physical anthropology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20anthropology. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

physical anthropology

noun
: anthropology concerned with the comparative study of human evolution, variation, and classification especially through measurement and observation

called also somatology

compare cultural anthropology
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