Prehistoric
/ˌpriː.hɪˈstɒr.ɪk/noun
Relating to the period before written records.
Did you know?The term 'prehistoric' evokes the vast, shadowy epochs of human existence where oral traditions and ancient rituals thrived long before the advent of written language.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷher
“To heat, to warm, often associated with life and creation.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἱστορία (historía)
“Inquiry, knowledge acquired by investigation.”
Latin
Latin
praehistoricus
“Before written history.”
Middle English
Middle English
pre-historie
“Period prior to the beginning of recorded history.”
Modern English
English
prehistoric
“Referring to the time before the invention of writing.”