posthumus

Posthumus is a Latin adjective meaning after burial or after death, formed from the parts post- “after” and humus “ground” or earth. In classical Latin usage it describes things that follow death or burial, and it appears in scholarly texts to indicate events, conditions, or states that occur after a person has died.

In English, the cognate form posthumous (not typically written as posthumus) is widely used. It describes events or items that occur or are published after a person’s death, such as a posthumous publication, a posthumous award, or posthumous fame. The term can also refer to biological or historical contexts where something is identified or documented after the death of the discoverer or subject, though its most common meanings are literary, cultural, and legal.

The concept is distinct from post mortem, which is used more narrowly to refer to an examination or analysis conducted after death (for example, a post-mortem investigation) rather than to the timing of events or works themselves. In modern usage, posthumous applications are widespread in publishing, music, film, and awards, typically signaling recognition or dissemination after the individual’s death.

See also: posthumous, post mortem, posthumous publication, posthumous award, posthumous fame.