Pronunciation: [mˌa͡ɪkɹə͡ʊlˈɪθɪk] (IPA) 
The word "microlithic" is spelled with the prefix "micro-", meaning small, and the suffix "-lithic", meaning stone. The two vowels in the middle are pronounced separately, with the first one being a short "i" sound and the second one being a long "o" sound. The word is pronounced as [maɪkroʊˈlɪθɪk] in IPA transcription. It is often used to describe small stone tools used in prehistoric times, such as arrowheads or blades.
Microlithic refers to a characteristic or feature associated with microliths. Microliths are small stone tools that were predominantly used during the Mesolithic period, a period of human culture between the Paleolithic and the Neolithic eras. The term "microlithic" is derived from combining the words "micro" meaning small, and "lithic" referring to stone.
In its broadest sense, microlithic describes the technology, methodology, and culture related to the production and usage of these small stone tools. Microliths are typified by their small size and distinct shape, usually ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in length. They are often very thin and have been fashioned into various shapes, such as crescents, triangles, blades, or trapezoids.
Microliths were crafted by chipping smaller flakes from larger stones and then retouching and shaping them to create sharp edges that could be used in various tools. These small stone tools had diverse functions and were used for purposes like cutting, piercing, or scraping. They were typically mounted onto other materials, such as wood or bone, to create composite tools like arrowheads, spear tips, or knives.
The microlithic technology and associated cultural practices were significant advancements during the Mesolithic period, as they allowed for greater precision and efficiency in toolmaking. Microlithic tools enabled humans to expand their hunting, gathering, and food-processing capabilities, which in turn contributed to their survival and adaptation in various ecosystems.
The word "microlithic" is derived from two Greek roots: "micro-", meaning small or minute, and "-lithic", derived from the Greek word "lithos", meaning stone.
In archaeology, the term "microlithic" refers to a specific type of stone tool technology characterized by small, geometrically shaped pieces of stone. These microliths were typically used as components in composite tools, such as arrowheads or spear points, during the late Stone Age and early Bronze Age. The term was coined to describe this particular stone tool industry that emerged in different parts of the world independently.
Overall, the etymology of the word "microlithic" reflects its association with small stone tools, combining the Greek roots for smallness and stone.
