homunculus

noun

ho·​mun·​cu·​lus hō-ˈməŋ-kyə-ləs How to pronounce homunculus (audio)
plural homunculi hō-ˈməŋ-kyə-ˌlī How to pronounce homunculus (audio) -ˌlē How to pronounce homunculus (audio)
Synonyms of homunculusnext
1
: a little man : manikin
2
: 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

Dictionary Entries Near homunculus

homuncular

homunculus

homy

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Homunculus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homunculus. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

homunculus

noun
ho·​mun·​cu·​lus hō-ˈməŋ-kyə-ləs How to pronounce homunculus (audio)
plural homunculi -ˌlī How to pronounce homunculus (audio) -ˌlē How to pronounce homunculus (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on homunculus

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for homunculus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about homunculus

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