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.