protohistory

noun

pro·​to·​his·​to·​ry ˌprō-tō-ˈhi-st(ə-)rē How to pronounce protohistory (audio)
: the study of human beings in the times that immediately antedate recorded history
protohistorian noun
protohistoric adjective

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of protohistory was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near protohistory

Cite this Entry

“Protohistory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protohistory. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!