Pith`e*can*thro"pus (?), n. [NL.; Gr.
&?; ape + &?; man.]
1.
A hypothetical genus of
primates intermediate between man and the anthropoid apes.
Haeckel.
2.
A genus consisting of an primate (P.
erectus) apparently intermediate between man and the existing
anthropoid apes, known from bones of a single individual found in Java
(hence called Java man) in 1891-92. These bones include a thigh
bone of the human type, two molar teeth intermediate between those of
man and the anthropoids, and the calvaria of the skull, indicating a
brain capacity of about 900 cubic centimeters, and resembling in form
that of the Neanderthal man. Also [pl. -
thropi (&?;)],
an animal of this genus. --
Pith`e*can"thrope (#), n. --
Pith`e*can"thro*poid (#), a.
© Webster 1913.