azilian
|a-zi-li-an|
/əˈzɪliən/
named for the Grotte d'Azil (Mesolithic culture)
Etymology
'Azilian' originates from French, specifically the word 'Azilien', where 'Azil' referred to the locality name (Grotte d'Azil) that served as the type-site for the culture.
'Azilien' (French, from the site name) was adopted into archaeological usage in English as 'Azilian', extending the place-name to denote the broader Mesolithic cultural assemblage.
Initially it referred narrowly to finds from the Grotte d'Azil site; over time it evolved to denote a wider regional Mesolithic culture and its characteristic artifacts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a prehistoric Mesolithic culture of southwestern Europe (named after the type-site Grotte d'Azil), noted for characteristic microlithic and painted pebbles; also used to refer to objects or people associated with that culture.
Excavations revealed a number of azilian tools and painted pebbles.
Noun 2
an individual belonging to or associated with the Azilian culture.
The skeletal remains were identified as likely belonging to an azilian.
Adjective 1
relating to the Azilian culture, its artifacts, style, or chronology.
The museum's azilian collection includes painted pebbles and microliths.
Last updated: 2025/12/07 05:36