pithecoid theory

Boil.: The theory that man has evolved from the lower animals; the Darwin i an theory. ( Haeckel .) pi-the-cô-lô-bi-ŭm, s . [Gr. pithēkos =an ape, a monkey, and lobos =a lobe.] Bot .: A genus of Acaciem. Pithecolobium gummi ferum , a native of Brazil, yields a gum resembling gum senegal. P. saman , a native of Jamaica, and P. dulce, a native of Mexico, have been introduced into India, and are extensively planted as ornamental trees of rapid growth. The former exudes a clear yellow gum. The pulp of the latter is edible; the tree also furnishes an oil. A decoction of the leaves of P. bigeminum , an Indian tree, is given in the east against leprosy and for the development of the hair. P. lobatum , from Pegu and Tena erim, exudes a black gum. †pi-the-cus, s. pl. [Lat., from Gr. pithecus =an Zool.: A synonym of Simia (q. v.). ape.] *pith'-ful, *pith'-full, a . [Eng. pith ; -ful(1).] Full of pith; pithy. (Browne: Britannia's Past., ii. 4.)