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Neanderthal

The origin and history of Neanderthal.

Etymology

Named after the Neander Valley in Germany, where the first fossils were discovered in 1856. The valley itself was named for 17th-century hymn writer Joachim Neander.

Origin: German · First attested 1856

Class of 1856

Neanderthal first entered the language around 1856. Other words from the same year:

See the full Class of 1856 →
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Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.