Homo habilis

noun

Ho·​mo ha·​bi·​lis
¦hō(ˌ)mōˈhabələ̇s
: an extinct hominid of the genus Homo (H. habilis) that is known from sub-Saharan fossil remains associated with crude stone tools, is estimated to have flourished 1.6 to 2 million years ago, and is believed to be the predecessor of Homo erectus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, skillful human

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Cite this Entry

“Homo habilis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Homo%20habilis. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

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