homunculus

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a person who is very small but who is not otherwise deformed or abnormal
noun a tiny fully formed individual that (according to the discredited theory of preformation) is supposed to be present in the sperm cell

Borrowed from Latin homunculus, from homō (“man”) + -culus (diminutive suffix).

The notion of symbolizing sexual love by a semisexless babe, and comparing the pains of passion to the wounds of an arrow--of introducing this pudgy homunculus into art grossly to materialize the subtle spirit and suggestion of the work-- this is eminently worthy of the age that, giving it birth, laid it on the doorstep of prosperity. — The Devil's Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce
C H A P. II ———Then, positively, there is nothing in the question that I can see, either good or bad.——Then, let me tell you, Sir, it was a very unseasonable question at least,—because it scattered and dispersed the animal spirits, whose business it was to have escorted and gone hand in hand with the HOMUNCULUS, and conducted him safe to the place destined for his reception. — The life and opinions of Tristram Shandy, gentleman, Laurence Sterne

manikin, mannikin

Type a word, a sentence, a book title, or a link to an English article. WordNet and the Classics answer.

Try

A library of classics · a vault of words · instant etymology & meaning