A fossil or remains of a human or human-like creature preserved in rock.
From Greek 'anthropos' (human) + '-lith' (stone), influenced by 'anthro-' prefix combined with '-polite' suggesting ancient human stone forms. The term emerged in 19th-century paleontology to classify fossilized human remains alongside other lithified specimens.
This word reflects the excitement of early fossil hunters who believed they'd found stone-turned-human remains—many 'anthropolites' were actually rock formations or animal bones, showing how desperately scientists wanted proof of ancient humans.
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