an·thro·pol·o·gy

[an-thruh-pol-uh-jee]
noun
1.
the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind.
2.
the study of human beings' similarity to and divergence from other animals.
3.
the science of humans and their works.
4.
Also called philosophical anthropology. the study of the nature and essence of humankind.

Origin:
1585–95; anthropo- + -logy

an·thro·po·log·i·cal [an-thruh-puh-loj-i-kuhl] , an·thro·po·log·ic, adjective
an·thro·po·log·i·cal·ly, adverb
pseu·do·an·thro·po·log·i·cal, adjective
sem·i·an·thro·po·log·ic, adjective
sem·i·an·thro·po·log·i·cal, adjective
sem·i·an·thro·po·log·i·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To anthropological
00:10
Anthropological is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
Collins
World English Dictionary
anthropology (ˌænθrəˈpɒlədʒɪ) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
cultural anthropology ethnology physical anthropology See also social anthropology the study of humans, their origins, physical characteristics, institutions, religious beliefs, social relationships, etc
 
anthropological
 
adj
 
anthropo'logically
 
adv
 
anthro'pologist
 
n

anthropology (ˌænθrəˈpɒlədʒɪ) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
cultural anthropology ethnology physical anthropology See also social anthropology the study of humans, their origins, physical characteristics, institutions, religious beliefs, social relationships, etc
 
anthropological
 
adj
 
anthropo'logically
 
adv
 
anthro'pologist
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

anthropology
"science of the natural history of man," 1590s, coined from Gk. anthropo- + -logia "study of." In Aristotle, anthropologos is used literally, as "speaking of man." Related: Anthropological (1825); anthropologist (1798).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

anthropology an·thro·pol·o·gy (ān'thrə-pŏl'ə-jē)
n.
The scientific study of the origin, the behavior, and the physical, social, and cultural development of humans.


an'thro·pol'o·gist n.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
anthropology   (ān'thrə-pŏl'ə-jē)  Pronunciation Key 
The scientific study of humans, especially of their origin, their behavior, and their physical, social, and cultural development.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
American Heritage
Cultural Dictionary

anthropology definition


The scientific study of the origin, development, and varieties of human beings and their societies, particularly so-called primitive societies.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Example sentences
The different life forms described in the book in detail resemble the
  anthropological findings.
Finley put it firmly in a familiar anthropological context.
Even so, the anthropological significance of the park makes it more than worth
  a visit.
It may have some anthropological value but it is seldom entertaining.
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