Humanoid

/ˈhjuːmənɔɪd/ adjective, noun

Definition

Something that looks or is shaped like a human being, having similar features or form but not necessarily being alive or human.

Etymology

From Latin 'humanus' (human) plus the Greek suffix '-oid' (meaning 'resembling or having the form of'), created in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

The suffix '-oid' is fascinating—it's used in hundreds of science words like 'android,' 'asteroid,' and 'humanoid' to mean 'shaped like but not actually'—it's how scientists talk about things that are *almost* something!

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