homunculus Definition
- 1a very small human or humanoid creature
- 2a representation of a small human being
Using homunculus: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "homunculus" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The alchemist believed he could create a homunculus in his laboratory.
Example
The homunculus in the painting looked eerily lifelike.
Example
The homunculus was depicted as a miniature version of a human being.
homunculus Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with homunculus
a philosophical argument that suggests that the mind is a product of the brain and that the brain creates a small person or homunculus to observe its own experiences
Example
The homunculus argument is often used to criticize theories that suggest that the mind is separate from the body.
an involuntary muscle movement that is caused by the brain's perception of a stimulus, rather than by a conscious decision to move
Example
The homunculus reflex is an important diagnostic tool for doctors who are trying to determine the extent of nerve damage in a patient.
a neurological condition that causes a person to perceive their body parts as being smaller than they actually are
Example
People with homunculus syndrome may have difficulty performing tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning a shirt.
Origins of homunculus
from Latin 'homunculus', meaning 'little man'
Summary: homunculus in Brief
The term 'homunculus' [huh-muhng-kyuh-luhs] refers to a very small human or humanoid creature, or a representation of one. It is often used in philosophical arguments like the 'homunculus argument,' which suggests that the mind is a product of the brain, and in medical contexts like the 'homunculus reflex,' which is an involuntary muscle movement caused by the brain's perception of a stimulus.
