anthropology

[ an-thruh-pol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind.
2. the study of human beings' similarity to and divergence from other animals.
3. the science of humans and their works.
4. Also called phil·o·soph·i·cal an·thro·pol·o·gy [fil-, uh, -, sof, -i-k, uh, l an-thr, uh, -, pol, -, uh, -jee]. the study of the nature and essence of humankind.

anthropology

/ ˌænθrəˈpɒlədʒɪ; ˌænθrəpəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the study of humans, their origins, physical characteristics, institutions, religious beliefs, social relationships, etc See also cultural anthropology ethnology physical anthropology social anthropology

anthropology

/ ăn′thrə-pŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of humans, especially of their origin, their behavior, and their physical, social, and cultural development.

anthropology

1. The scientific study of the origin, development, and varieties of human beings and their societies, particularly so-called primitive societies.

Derived Forms

• ˌanthropoˈlogically, adverb
• ˌanthroˈpologist, noun
• anthropological, adjective

Other Words From

• an·thro·po·log·i·cal [an-thr, uh, -p, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l], an·thro·po·log·ic adjective
• an·thro·po·log·i·cal·ly adverb
• pseu·do·an·thro·po·log·i·cal adjective
• sem·i·an·thro·po·log·ic adjective
• sem·i·an·thro·po·log·i·cal adjective
• sem·i·an·thro·po·log·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthropology¹

First recorded in 1585–95; anthropo- + -logy

Example Sentences

The high quality of his work from that period is apparent on such classic recordings as Parker’s “Anthropology,” Miles Davis’ “Morpheus” and Bud Powell’s “Bouncing With Bud.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I was taking classes in astronomy and anthropology,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times

I thought about that a lot, and at one point I gave a paper at an anthropology meeting about the cultural definitions of normality and pregnancy, and there’s a discussion of that in the book.

From Salon

She grew up in Ohio and received a degree in theater and forensic anthropology from Ohio State University.

From Los Angeles Times

The two differing beliefs between Solange, a bullheaded and Bible-thumping curmudgeon and Belinda, a free-thinking anthropology educator of Haitian descent, lead to a literal house divide.

From Salon

Related Words

• folklore
• sociology