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

Related Words

• folklore
• sociology