Dryopithecus

[ drahy-oh-pith-i-kuhs, -puh-thee- ]

noun

1. an extinct genus of generalized hominoids that lived in Europe and Africa during the Miocene Epoch and whose members are characterized by small molars and incisors.
2. one of the four subgenera of this genus, limited to Europe.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Dryopithecus¹

< New Latin (1856) < Greek drŷ ( s ) tree, oak + -o- -o- + píthēkos monkey

Example Sentences

Dryopithecus was smaller than the chimpanzee, but much larger than the gibbon.

From Project Gutenberg

Dryopithecus is more Man-like than any other, and seems to have been as large as a Chimpanzee.

From Project Gutenberg

Palæopithecus, Dryopithecus, Palæosimia, and Sivapithecus are extinct simians.

From Project Gutenberg