homunculus

noun

ho·mun·cu·lus hō-ˈməŋ-kyə-ləs

plural homunculi hō-ˈməŋ-kyə-ˌlī

-ˌlē

Synonyms of homunculus next

: a little man : manikin

: 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

Time Traveler

The first known use of homunculus was in 1656

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Homunculus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homunculus. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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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

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homunculus

noun

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near homunculus

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition