Australopithecinae

plural noun

Aus·​tra·​lo·​pith·​e·​ci·​nae

-ˌpithəˈsī(ˌ)nē

in former classifications

: a subfamily of Pongidae including extinct apes with near-human dentition and constituting Australopithecus and according to some authorities other genera all from southern Africa

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Australopithecus, type genus + -inae

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!