homunculus

noun

ho·​mun·​cu·​lus hō-ˈməŋ-kyə-ləs 

plural homunculi hō-ˈməŋ-kyə-ˌlī  -ˌlē 

1

: a little man : manikin

2

: a miniature adult that in the theory of preformation is held to inhabit the germ cell and to produce a mature individual merely by an increase in size

Word History

Etymology

Latin, diminutive of homin-, homo human being — more at homage

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

homunculus

noun

ho·​mun·​cu·​lus hō-ˈməŋ-kyə-ləs 

plural homunculi -ˌlī  -ˌlē 

: a miniature adult that in the theory of preformation was held to inhabit the germ cell and to produce a mature individual merely by an increase in size