prehominid

[ pree-hom-uh-nid ]

noun

1. any of the extinct humanlike primates classified in the former family Prehominidae.
2. any extinct form that is thought to be an ancestor of the hominins.

prehominid

/ priːˈhɒmɪnɪd /

noun

1. any of various extinct manlike primates See australopithecine

Word History and Origins

Origin of prehominid¹

First recorded in 1935–40; pre- + hominid

Example Sentences

Lice have been linked to human beings dating back to our prehominid ancestors.

From Scientific American

It was in the sea, Morgan states, that the prehominid female began to walk on two feet instead of four to keep her head above water.

From Time Magazine Archive