¦hō(ˌ)mōˈhabələ̇s noun
Usage: usually capitalized 1st H
Etymology: New Latin, literally, skillful human
: an extinct hominid of the genus Homo ( H. habilis ) that is known from sub-Saharan fossil remains associated with crude stone tools, is estimated to have flourished 1.6 to 2 million years ago, and is believed to be the predecessor of Homo erectus