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neolith

neolith

9.9
A stone tool made and used in the New Stone Age, often with polished surfaces
  • noun
  • /ˈniːəˌlɪθ/
  • Specialized
: neolito
  • The neolith displayed intricate craftsmanship and showed evidence of regular use.

Examples

  • Many museums feature neoliths to illustrate advances in prehistoric technology.

  • The archaeologist discovered a rare neolith in the cave.

  • Archaeologists discovered a neolith while excavating the ancient settlement.

  • Many neoliths were found at the ancient site.

  • Archaeologists discovered a neolith while excavating the ancient settlement.

  • The neolith displayed intricate craftsmanship and showed evidence of regular use.

  • Many museums feature neoliths to illustrate advances in prehistoric technology.

Surface Forms

neolith singular
neoliths plural

Morphology

neolith = neo + lith

Formally 'neo-' (new) + 'lith' (stone) is clear, but 'lith' is a bound combining form (not a standalone English word), so learners may not infer 'stone' without prior exposure.

Etymology

Neolith comes from Greek parts neo- 'new' and -lith 'stone', so it literally means 'new stone'. That's why a neolith is a stone tool from the Neolithic or 'New Stone Age' — a later, often polished and specially shaped stone tool rather than a simple, rough rock.