Aeolight

/ˈiːoʊˌlaɪt/ noun

Definition

A controversial early prehistoric stone tool or artifact, whose human manufacture was disputed by archaeologists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Etymology

From 'Aeoli-' (relating to Aeolus/wind) + 'light' (likely from 'lite,' meaning stone). Named humorously or ironically because their origins were as mysterious as wind.

Kelly Says

Eoliths became famous for a scientific scandal—many archaeologists thought they were ancient tools, but critics argued they were just rocks broken by natural erosion, leading to fierce debates about what counts as 'made by humans.'

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