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physical anthropology

Definition of Physical Anthropology

(noun) The branch of anthropology studying the origin and variation of humankind.

Physical Anthropology Pronunciation

Pronunciation Usage Guide

Syllabification: phys·i·cal an·thro·pol·o·gy

Audio Pronunciation

– American English
– British English

Phonetic Spelling

  • American English – /fIz-i-kuhl an-thruh-pAHl-uh-jee/
  • British English – /fIz-i-kuhl an-thruh-pOl-uh-jee/

International Phonetic Alphabet

  • American English – /ˈfɪzɪkəl ˌænθrəˈpɑləʤi/
  • British English – /ˈfɪzɪkəl ˌænθrəˈpɒləʤi/

Usage Notes

  • Plural: physical anthropologies
  • A (noun) physical anthropologist (adverb) anthropologically studies culture to create (adjective) physical anthropologic or (adjective) physical anthropological works.

Additional Information

Related Terms


Cite the Definition of Physical Anthropology

ASA – American Sociological Association (5th edition)

Bell, Kenton, ed. 2013. “physical anthropology.” In Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Retrieved March 29, 2024 (https://sociologydictionary.org/physical-anthropology/).

APA – American Psychological Association (6th edition)

physical anthropology. (2013). In K. Bell (Ed.), Open education sociology dictionary. Retrieved from https://sociologydictionary.org/physical-anthropology/

Chicago/Turabian: Author-Date – Chicago Manual of Style (16th edition)

Bell, Kenton, ed. 2013. “physical anthropology.” In Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Accessed March 29, 2024. https://sociologydictionary.org/physical-anthropology/.

MLA – Modern Language Association (7th edition)

“physical anthropology.” Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Ed. Kenton Bell. 2013. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://sociologydictionary.org/physical-anthropology/>.