You keep confusing the etymology of the word “yeti” with the actual description given of the mythical creature. Etymology can only give you the origin of the name used. For instance:
(from Wiki)
Please note that, despite the origins of the word, meercats are neither monkeys or cats.
Cite?
The description of the Yeti has always been “a type of bear.” Except for science fiction, which doesn’t count.
“Eventually found to be a bear” and “always described as a type of bear” are two entirely different things.
This study on Tibetan culture and religion as it pertains to Yetis shows that they didn’t just think of the Yeti as a type of bear.
I realize this thread is a bit of a zombie, but I just finished a new book: “Abominable Science” where the authors spend a lot of time and detail in debunking four of the most “popular” cryptids.
They agree, that besides a few attempts at hoaxing, nearly all the “real” sightings of the yeti can be attributed to a bear. (One sighting was clearly a monkey.) They agree that the "Yeti is “real” but just a bear. They totally debunk any idea that the yeti is some sort of ape or anthropoid. ( I need to clarify this as they also state the some part of the Yeti legend is a supernatural myth)
FYI they debunk Bigfoot as almost completely 100% hoax, with a few honest but mistaken sighting of bears, hunters, etc.
So, zombies are real.
I was hoping to post a zombie yeti picture, but there one in the Plants vs Zombies video game and has taken over Google images.
I have nothing to add to the discussion, but I wanted to post this:
Oh, yes, quite real.
BTW, this song written by Rod Argent is underrated in my opinion.
Agree. Quite a range in that voice too.
You guys made me grin. 
Yeti makes a good insulated tumbler.
They do.
Stabilized version of the Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot film
Dude in a suit
Yes. The Native legends for “bigfoot” has a small tribe of tall humans with long hair that use tools, fire, speak, live in caves and villages. Not anthropoid apes or humanoids. A small extinct tribe of watusi tall Amerinds is within possibility. 
Bigfoot is 90% hoax, 10% mistaken identity. No real there.
Has science solved the difference between Yeti, Abominable Snowman, Sasquatch, Bigfoot, Skunk Ape, Yeren, Yowie, Grassman, or the Mogollon Monster?
Do Europeans ever report seeing woodwoses anymore?
Yes, the ones in the Himalayas are Bears (and a few hoaxes, etc), the ones in America are Hoaxes (and a few bears).