Homo floresiensis

[hoh-moh flawr-es-ee-en-sis, flohr-]

noun

1. a species of small, primitive humans with a tiny brain and large teeth, living about 50,000–100,000 years ago: several fossil specimens, along with stone tools, have been discovered on the Indonesian island of Flores since first discovery in 2003.

2. a fossil belonging to this species.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Homo floresiensis¹

First recorded in 2000–05; from New Latin: literally “man from Flores”; Homo ( def. ), -iensis ( def. )

Example Sentences

Recent decades have seen the discovery of several new hominin species, from Australopithecus sediba to Homo floresiensis.

Read more on Science Daily

The short-statured Homo floresiensis, sometimes known as the “Hobbit,” was living in Indonesia, while the long-legged Homo erectus was loping around Asia.

Read more on Seattle Times

In addition, another small-brained species, Homo floresiensis, is known to have used tools and fire.

Read more on National Geographic

As recently as 60,000 years ago, by which point H. sapiens was well established, the small human species Homo floresiensis, nicknamed the Hobbit, roamed its island home of Flores in Indonesia on relatively giant, flat feet and short legs with small joints.

Read more on Scientific American

From the well-known Neanderthals and more enigmatic Denisovans in Eurasia, to the diminutive "hobbit" Homo floresiensis on the island of Flores in Indonesia, to Homo naledi that lived in South Africa, multiple hominins abounded.

Read more on Salon