1. An extinct ape-like human ancestor, especially Homo erectus, known from fossil remains found in Java and other regions.
Usage: paleontology; historical term; often capitalized when referring to the genus

Examples

• Pithecanthropus erectus was discovered in Java in the late 19th century.
• Scientists study pithecanthropus fossils to understand human evolution.
• The discovery of pithecanthropus provided crucial evidence for the missing link between apes and humans.
• Pithecanthropus had a larger brain capacity than earlier hominins.
• Museum exhibits often feature casts of pithecanthropus skulls and bones.