Capsian

[ kap-see-uhn ]

adjective

, Archaeology.

1. of or designating an Epipaleolithic culture of northwestern Africa, characterized by the use of geometric microlithic tools.

Capsian

/ ˈkæpsɪən /

noun

1. a late Palaeolithic culture, dating from about 12 000 bc , found mainly around the salt lakes of Tunisia. The culture is characterized by the presence of microliths, backed blades, and engraved limestone slabs

adjective

1. of or relating to this culture

Word History and Origins

Origin of Capsian¹

1910–15; < French capsien, equivalent to Caps ( a ), Latin name of Gafsa, town in Tunisia near which tools of the culture were discovered + -ien -ian

Word History and Origins

Origin of Capsian¹

C20: from French capsien, from Capsa, Latinized form of Gafsa, Tunisia