archaeo-

1. a combining form meaning “ancient,” used in the formation of compound words:

   archaeopteryx; archaeology.

archaeo-

combining_form

1. indicating ancient or primitive time or condition

   archaeology

   archaeopteryx

2. of, involving, or denoting the study of remains from archaeological sites

   archaeozoology

Word History and Origins

Origin of archaeo-¹

< Greek, combining form of archaîos, equivalent to arch- ( archi- ) + -aios adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of archaeo-¹

from Greek arkhaio-, from arkhaios, from arkhein to begin