Meaning & Definition of word "Homo"

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    Homo

    /ˈhoʊ.moʊ/

    noun:

    • 1. A prefix of Greek origin meaning 'same' or 'alike'.
      • Example: The term 'homogeneous' derives from the prefix 'homo', indicating that the samples are of the same kind.
    • 2. A shorthand, often colloquial or informal, for homosexual.
      • Example: In the 1970s, the term 'homo' began to be used more frequently in discussions about LGBTQ+ rights.
    • 3. A term used to refer to a member of the genus Homo, which includes modern humans and their close relatives.
      • Example: The discovery of new Homo fossils has provided insights into human evolution.

    adjective:

    • 1. Relating to or denoting a type of relationship characterized by the same biological sex.
      • Example: The homoerotic themes in the artwork suggest a deep exploration of same-sex attraction.
    • 2. Referring to organisms or cells that are of the same kind or nature.
      • Example: The study focused on homozygous plants to understand genetic variation.

    Etymology

    From the Greek 'homos' meaning 'same'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    homo sapiens:

    The species name for modern humans.

    homo erectus:

    An extinct species of hominid that lived from about 1.9 million years ago.

    homo habilis:

    An extinct species of hominid that existed roughly 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago.

    Related Words

    homogenous:

    Consisting of parts or qualities that are all the same.

    homophonic:

    Having the same sound as another word.

    Slang Meanings of homo

    Meaning: A casual or derogatory term for a gay man.

    Example Sentence: He was called a homo by some of his classmates in a joking manner.

    Meaning: Short for homosexual, used within LGBTQ+ circles.

    Example Sentence: We’re hosting a meet-up for homos to celebrate Pride.