Definition

1. Noun:
   • An extinct species or subspecies of archaic human: "Neanderthal man" refers to a robust, now-extinct type of human who lived in Europe and western Asia during the Middle Paleolithic period, approximately 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. They are a close evolutionary relative to modern humans (Homo sapiens).

Usage

• The term is used in scientific, anthropological, and historical contexts to discuss human evolution, prehistoric archaeology, and the characteristics of this specific archaic human.
• It is often used to contrast with anatomically modern humans ().

Examples

• Noun:
  • Fossil evidence shows that Neanderthal man coexisted with early modern humans in Europe for thousands of years.
  • The discovery of tools and burial sites has given us insight into the culture of Neanderthal man.

Advanced Usage

• The term "Neanderthal" (without "man") is now more commonly used in scientific literature to refer to this group ().
• In informal, often derogatory usage, "Neanderthal" can be used as an adjective or noun to describe a person perceived as very primitive, crude, or unintelligent. This usage is based on outdated stereotypes and is not scientifically accurate.
  • His Neanderthal attitudes towards gender equality are completely unacceptable. (Informal, pejorative use)

Variants and Related Words

• Neanderthal (noun/adjective): The more common modern term for Neanderthal man ().
  • Neanderthal DNA has been found in the genomes of most modern humans.
• Homo neanderthalensis (noun): The formal binomial (scientific) name.
• Neandertal (noun/adjective): An alternative spelling, reflecting the modern German orthography of the Neander Valley (Tal) where the first fossils were found.

Synonyms

• Homo neanderthalensis (Scientific name)
• Neanderthal (Common synonym)
• Archaic human (Broader category)

Related Idioms/Phrases

• To have Neanderthal tendencies/traits: An informal and usually pejorative phrase suggesting someone has primitive or brutish behavior.
  • He was accused of having Neanderthal tendencies for resolving disputes with his fists. (Informal, pejorative)

Noun

1. extinct robust human of Middle Paleolithic in Europe and western Asia