definitions

microlith

[ mahy-kruh-lith ]
/ ˈmaɪ krə lɪθ /

noun Archaeology.

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.

Nearby words

microlecithal, microlepidoptera, microlight, microlite, microliter, microlith, microlithiasis, microlithic, microlitic, microloan, micrology
Compare macrolith, tranchet.

Origin of microlith

First recorded in 1875–80; micro- + -lith
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for microlith

microlith

/ (ˈmaɪkrəʊˌlɪθ) /

noun

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

Derived Forms

microlithic, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for microlith

microlith

[ mī′krə-lĭth′ ]

n.

A minute calculus, usually multiple and resembling coarse sand.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for microlith

microlith

[ mī′krō-lĭth′ ]

A very small blade made of flaked stone and used as a tool, especially in the European Mesolithic Period.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.