Eolithic

/ˌiːoʊˈlɪθɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the earliest period of human stone tool use, or describing tools that might date to this period but whose authenticity is debated.

Etymology

From Greek 'eos' (dawn, early) + 'lithos' (stone) + '-ic' suffix. The term emerged in late 19th-century archaeology as researchers tried to categorize the very oldest human implements.

Kelly Says

Scientists can't always agree on whether something is a tool or just a rock—which shows how careful archaeologists have to be about claiming something proves human behavior from hundreds of thousands of years ago!

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