Natufian

1 of 2

adjective

Na·​tu·​fi·​an

nəˈtüfēən

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a food-gathering, cave-dwelling Mesolithic culture of ancient Palestine characterized by microliths, composite tools of microliths, small bare zoomorphic carvings in bone or stone, and the use of sickles suggesting some agriculture

Natufian

2 of 2

noun

"

plural -s

: a Mesolithic cave dweller of Mount Carmel and other localities in ancient Palestine

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Wadi en-Natuf, valley in Palestine + English -ian

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!