homo-, hom-, hum-
(Latin: human beings, mankind; literally, "man"; however, it now generally also includes, "woman" or "women")
This Latin homo- is related to humus, "earth" or "born" and so it is said to mean "earthly being" or "born of the earth" and also refers to all of humanity. Don't confuse this Latin homo- with the Greek homo- that means "same" or "equal".
homiculture
1. The physical cultivation or development of mankind.
2. Eugenics; the physical improvement of mankind.
hominid
1. A primate of the family Hominidae, of which the modern human, Homo sapiens, is the only extant species.
2. Of or belonging to the Hominidae.
hominivorus
1. Devouring or feeding upon human beings.
2. The consumption or devouring of human beings.
hominoid
1. Of human form; man-like (rather than ape-like).
2. An animal resembling a human being.
3. Of or belonging to the superfamily Hominoidea, which includes the apes and humans.
hominzation
The evolutionary development of characteristics, especially mental or spiritual ones, that are held to distingush man from other animals.
Homo erectus
Literally, "upright man"; an extinct ancestor of the modern human being (Homo sapiens) living approximately 1.5 million years ago and known by fossils to have had an upright stature, a smallish brain, and a low forehead.
Homo habilis
Literally, "skillful man"; An extinct ancestor of the modern human being (Homo sapiens) living approximately 1.5 million years ago and charactherized its ability to make and use tools.
Homo sapiens
Literally "wise man"; the modern human being, the only extant species of the genus, or family, that also included other species named Homo. Of the family, Hominidae.
homunculus
1. A diminutive or dwarfish man.
2. A person who is very small but who is not otherwise deformed or abnormal.
human
1. Of, pertaining to, or typical of humans or humankind.
2. Having or exhibiting the form, nature, or qualities typical of humans.
3. Made up of people.
4. Essentially a classifying term relating to individuals or people collectively.
5. Etymology: from Old French
humain from Latin
humanus.
Like homo, "person" (man, woman, child), this was related to Latin humus, "earth", and was used originally for "people" in the sense "earthly beings" in contrast with the immortal gods.
human body
Physical, bodily organs, and organ systems; like the bodies of all animals, it is made up of systems that are made up of organs, of tissues, and of cells.
humane
1. Characterized by kindness, mercy, or compassion.
2. Showing the better aspects of the human character; especially, kindness and compassion.
humanely
humaneness
humanism
Links to other units that include the topic of "man", "mankind":
andro-;
anthropo-;
vir-.
Subscribe to this FREE Focusing on Words Newsletter