Australopithecidae

plural noun

Aus·​tra·​lo·​pith·​e·​ci·​dae

ȯˌstrā(ˌ)lōpə̇ˈthēsəˌdē,

äˌ-

in former classifications

: the Australopithecinae regarded as a family of Hominoidea distinct from the Pongidae

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Australopithecus, type genus + -idae

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!