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Mousterian

adjective

Mous·​te·​ri·​an mü-ˈstir-ē-ən How to pronounce Mousterian (audio)
: of or relating to a Middle Paleolithic culture that is characterized by well-made flake tools often considered the work of Neanderthal man

Word History

Etymology

French moustérien, from Le Moustier, cave in Dordogne, France

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Mousterian was in 1876

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Cite this Entry

“Mousterian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mousterian. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.

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