Homo naledi

[ hoh-moh nah-led-ee ]

noun

1. an extinct species of hominin classified within the genus Homo but on a branch other than that of modern humans: the first fossil specimens, originally assessed at about two million years of age, were discovered northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2013, but a more recent dating of 235,000–335,000 years places them in a time when more modern, larger-brained hominins were already living.
2. a fossil belonging to this species.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Homo naledi¹

First recorded in 2010–15; from New Latin; Homo ( def ) + Sotho naledi “star,” from the name Dinaledi (Chamber), “(chamber) of stars” in the Rising Star cave system where the fossils were found

Example Sentences

Homo heidelbergensis and Homo naledi were living in Africa.

From Washington Times

Neanderthals painted cave walls, Homo heidelbergensis hunted large animals like rhinos and hippos, and some scientists think even the small-brained Homo naledi was burying its dead in South African cave systems.

From Washington Times

Homo heidelbergensis and Homo naledi were living in Africa.

From Seattle Times

Neanderthals painted cave walls, Homo heidelbergensis hunted large animals like rhinos and hippos, and some scientists think even the small-brained Homo naledi was burying its dead in South African cave systems.

From Seattle Times

"But it could be a different species - Homo erectus or Homo naledi - there were a number of hominid species around at that time in southern Africa."

From BBC