predynastic

adjective

pre·​dy·​nas·​tic ˌprē-dī-ˈna-stik How to pronounce predynastic (audio)
variants or pre-dynastic
: occurring before a dynasty
especially : occurring before the ancient Egyptian dynasties ruling from about 3400 b.c.
the predynastic period/age
predynastic rulers
often capitalized in this specific sense
… the fine plum-red ware that is a hallmark of Predynastic culture … Michael Allen Hoffman

Examples of predynastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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These depictions ranged from predynastic statues to wall paintings, amulets, and statues — a tradition spanning 3,000 years. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 Agadez, the regional capital of the north, oversees a parched, rugged landscape larger than France, home to a unique Saharan eco-reserve and the source of nearly all predynastic archaeological and paleontological heritage. Paul Sereno, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2023 The site linked Egypt and Canaan from predynastic times onward. Petro Kotzé, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2022 Archaeologists have uncovered predynastic tombs that date back to before the times of Egypt's pharaohs. Asha C. Gilbert, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2021 At first, these floods served as natural irrigation for crops in the days of predynastic Egypt, researchers believe. Eric Betz, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of predynastic was in 1898

Dictionary Entries Near predynastic

Cite this Entry

“Predynastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predynastic. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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