microlith

[ mahy-kruh-lith ]

noun

, Archaeology.

1. a tiny stone tool, often of geometric shape, made from a bladelet and mounted singly or in series as the working part of a composite tool or weapon, especially during late Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic times.

microlith

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌlɪθ /

noun

1. archaeol a small Mesolithic flint tool which was made from a blade and formed part of hafted tools

microlith

/ mī′krō-lĭth′ /

1. A very small blade made of flaked stone and used as a tool, especially in the European Mesolithic Period.

Derived Forms

• ˌmicroˈlithic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of microlith¹

First recorded in 1875–80; micro- + -lith

Example Sentences

A Mesolithic flint microlith is missing - a small stone which was a characteristic flint tool from the Mesolithic period in the UK, dating from as long ago as 7,000 BC.

From BBC