anthropometry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Scientific, Academic
Quick answer
What does “anthropometry” mean?
The scientific measurement and study of human body measurements, such as height, weight, and proportions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The scientific measurement and study of human body measurements, such as height, weight, and proportions.
The technique involving systematic measurement of the human individual to understand human physical variation, used in anthropology, ergonomics, medicine, and industrial design for applications like tailoring, designing workspaces, or identifying population characteristics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific, somewhat clinical. Carries no additional cultural connotations in either variety.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both UK and US English, primarily confined to academic, medical, forensic, and design contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “anthropometry” in a Sentence
[Subject] applied anthropometry to [Object]Anthropometry of [Population Group] was conducted.The study involved careful anthropometry.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anthropometry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team anthropometrised the skeletal remains with great precision.
- The researcher spent weeks anthropometrising the study participants.
American English
- The team took anthropometric measurements of the skeletal remains.
- The researcher spent weeks conducting anthropometry on the study participants.
adjective
British English
- The anthropometric data was crucial for the ergonomic redesign.
- They followed strict anthropometric protocols.
American English
- The anthropometric data were crucial for the ergonomic redesign.
- They followed strict anthropometry protocols.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in ergonomics and product design (e.g., car interiors, office furniture) to ensure fit for target populations.
Academic
Core term in physical anthropology, forensic science, human biology, and public health studies for nutritional assessment.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in industrial design, aerospace engineering (cockpit design), and military equipment sizing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anthropometry”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anthropometry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anthropometry”
- Misspelling as 'anthropometrics' when referring to the act of measuring (anthropometrics is the data or the field of study).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to anthropometry' is incorrect; use 'to take anthropometric measurements').
- Pronouncing it with stress on the second syllable (/ænˈθrɒpəmiːtri/) is incorrect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Anthropometry is the process or technique of taking the measurements. Anthropometrics (often used as a plural noun or adjective) refers to the data obtained from such measurements or the field of study based on that data.
No. It includes a wide range of measurements: limb lengths, circumferences (e.g., head, waist), skinfold thickness (for body fat), breadth measurements (e.g., shoulder, hip), and specific anatomical landmarks.
Yes. 'Living anthropometry' measures living people for design or health purposes. 'Osteometric' measurements are taken on skeletal remains, which is a key part of forensic and archaeological anthropometry.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, anthropometry was misused to support now-debunked theories of scientific racism and phrenology, where body measurements were incorrectly linked to intelligence, character, or racial hierarchy.
The scientific measurement and study of human body measurements, such as height, weight, and proportions.
Anthropometry is usually formal, scientific, academic in register.
Anthropometry: in British English it is pronounced /ˌanθrəˈpɒmɪtri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌænθrəˈpɑːmɪtri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ANTHROpology' (study of humans) + 'metry' (measurement). It's the measurement side of human study.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HUMAN BODY IS A SET OF QUANTIFIABLE DIMENSIONS (for science/design).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would anthropometry be LEAST commonly used?