bimanous

[ bim-uh-nuhs, bahy-mey- ]

adjective

, Zoology.

1. having two hands, especially as distinct from feet.

bimanous

/ ˈbɪmənəs; baɪˈmeɪ- /

adjective

1. (of man and the higher primates) having two hands distinct in form and function from the feet

Word History and Origins

Origin of bimanous¹

1825–35; < New Latin biman ( a ) ( animalia ) two-handed (animals) + -ous. See bimane

Word History and Origins

Origin of bimanous¹

C19: from New Latin bimana two handed, from bi- ¹+ Latin manus hand

Example Sentences

According to them, the typical differences which exist between the races of men are so decided, so profound, that they could not be the result of the conditions of existence; these differences are then original; men, instead of belonging to a single zoological species, form a genera or even a family, the bimanous family; community of origin is then impossible, and the account in Genesis must be considered as legendary.

From Project Gutenberg

The individuals of this race being obliged, for a long series of generations, to use their feet exclusively for walking, and ceasing to employ their hands as feet, were transformed into bimanous animals, and what before were thumbs became mere toes, no separation being required when their feet were used solely for walking.

From Project Gutenberg

Lamarck had already recognised that the descent of man from a series of other Vertebrates—that is, from a series of Ape-like Primates—was essentially involved in the general theory of transformation which he had erected on a broad inductive basis; and he had sufficient penetration to detect the agencies that had been at work in the evolution of the erect bimanous man from the arboreal and quadrumanous ape.

From Project Gutenberg

Even in these enlightened days, many a curate who, considered abstractedly, is nothing more than a sleek bimanous animal in a white neck-cloth, with views more or less Anglican, and furtively addicted to the flute, is adored by a girl who has coarse brothers, or by a solitary woman who would like to be a helpmate in good works beyond her own means, simply because he seems to them the model of refinement and of public usefulness.

From Project Gutenberg

In dealing with the suggestion that man differs from the apes in being bimanous, while the apes are quadrumanous, Huxley first explained and discussed what the exact differences between hands and feet are.

From Project Gutenberg