Homo erectus
[ hoh-moh i-rek-tuh s ]
/ ˈhoʊ moʊ ɪˈrɛk təs /
noun
an extinct species of the human lineage, formerly known as Pithecanthropus erectus, having upright stature and a well-evolved postcranial skeleton, but with a smallish brain, low forehead, and protruding face.
a fossil belonging to this species.
Origin of Homo erectus
1970–75; < New Latin: upright man
British Dictionary definitions for homo erectus
Homo erectus
/ (ɪˈrɛktəs) /
noun
an extinct species of primitive man, able to walk upright
See also Java man, Peking man
Word Origin for Homo erectus
New Latin, from Latin
homo man +
erectus upright
Scientific definitions for homo erectus
Homo erectus
[ hō′mō ĭ-rĕk′təs ]
An extinct species of humans that lived during the Pleistocene Epoch from about 1.6 million years ago to 250,000 years ago. Homo erectus is associated mainly with stone tools of the Acheulian culture and was the first species of humans to master fire, although this skill may not have been widely practiced until late in its existence. Its remains have been found in Africa, Europe, and Asia, and it is widely thought to be the direct ancestor of modern humans.♦ The H. erectus remains from Africa are thought by some to evince significant differences in comparison to other H. erectus populations and thus to constitute a separate species called Homo ergaster. H. ergaster is sometimes further claimed to be the true ancestor of modern humans. The fossil evidence is not complete enough to definitively support these or many other claims concerning early Homo populations. See also pithecanthropus sinanthropus.
Cultural definitions for homo erectus
Homo erectus
[ (hoh-moh i-rek-tuhs) ]
An early ancestor of the human species that lived from about 1.8 million to 250,000 years ago. Homo erectus remains have been found in Africa, China, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Archaeological excavations have revealed that Homo erectus developed a cooperative hunting organization and the use of fire and may have had a spoken language.