prehistory

[ pree-his-tuh-ree, -his-tree ]
/ priˈhɪs tə ri, -ˈhɪs tri /

noun, plural pre·his·to·ries.

human history in the period before recorded events, known mainly through archaeological discoveries, study, research, etc.; history of prehistoric humans.
a history of the events or incidents leading to a crisis, situation, or the like.

Origin of prehistory

First recorded in 1870–75; pre- + history

OTHER WORDS FROM prehistory

pre·his·to·ri·an [pree-hi-stawr-ee-uh n, -stohr-] /ˌpri hɪˈstɔr i ən, -ˈstoʊr-/, noun

Example sentences from the Web for prehistory

British Dictionary definitions for prehistory

prehistory
/ (priːˈhɪstərɪ) /

noun plural -ries

the prehistoric period
the study of this period, relying entirely on archaeological evidence

Derived forms of prehistory

prehistorian (ˌpriːhɪˈstɔːrɪən), noun