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the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind.
the study of human beings’ similarity to and divergence from other animals.
the science of humans and their works.
Also called philosophical anthropology. the study of the nature and essence of humankind.
Contemporary Examples

Family is an anthropological fact—a socially and culturally related fact.
Is Pope Francis Backpedaling on Gays? Jay Michaelson November 18, 2014

It is the trusting, authorizing figures who are the psychological and anthropological curiosities.
The Perils of Biography in the Bradlee-Himmelman Storm Lee Siegel May 19, 2012

In 2007, Allen led a tour of Anbar province, pointing out historical and anthropological features of the ancient region.
John Allen, the Other General Eli Lake November 12, 2012

The philosophical investigation of our anthropological reality is the cornerstone of higher education.
Can Higher Education Really Save Our Humanity? James Poulos January 31, 2014

And not just the evil but also the anthropological mistakenness of communism.
What Margaret Thatcher Meant to Eastern Europeans David Frum April 9, 2013

Historical Examples

Mr Dalton was a member of the anthropological Society, to which he also belonged.
At His Gates, Vol. 2(of 3) Margaret Oliphant

Plato’s is an anthropological dualism, Aristotle’s, a monism.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy Isaac Husik

Baudru Dsir was turned over to the anthropological service; they had never seen anything like him.
The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsene Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar Maurice Leblanc

It will be seen how valuable an asset this must be in anthropological research.
Folklore as an Historical Science George Laurence Gomme

I made use of their presence as much as possible for anthropological measurements, but I could not always find willing subjects.
Two Years with the Natives in the Western Pacific Felix Speiser

noun
the study of humans, their origins, physical characteristics, institutions, religious beliefs, social relationships, etc See also cultural anthropology, ethnology, physical anthropology, social anthropology
adj.

1825, from anthropology + -ical. Related: Anthropologically.
n.

“science of the natural history of man,” 1590s, originally especially of the relation between physiology and psychology, from Modern Latin anthropologia or coined independently in English from anthropo- + -logy. In Aristotle, anthropologos is used literally, as “speaking of man.”

anthropology an·thro·pol·o·gy (ān’thrə-pŏl’ə-jē)
n.
The scientific study of the origin, the behavior, and the physical, social, and cultural development of humans.
an’thro·pol’o·gist n.
anthropology
(ān’thrə-pŏl’ə-jē)
The scientific study of humans, especially of their origin, their behavior, and their physical, social, and cultural development.

The scientific study of the origin, development, and varieties of human beings and their societies, particularly so-called primitive societies.