ˌpithə̇ˈkan(t)thrəpəs, -ˌkanˈthrōp- noun
Etymology: New Latin, from pithec- + -anthropus
1. capitalized
a. : a hypothetical group of extinct primates intermediate between man and the anthropoid apes
b. : a genus of extinct primitive men that includes two generally accepted species ( P. erectus and P. robustus ) known from skull and other bone fragments found in Javanese Pliocene gravels and sometimes the very similar Peking man and that comprises forms having a profile like that of an ape with very low forehead and undeveloped chin, a posture approaching that of modern man, and a brain of 900 to 1000 cubic centimeters which is larger than that of any known ape and smaller than that of any normal modern man — compare sinanthropus
2. plural pithecanthro·pi -ˌpī, -(ˌ)pē : an individual of the group or genus Pithecanthropus