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The combining form -lithic is used like a suffix used to name cultural phases in archaeology characterized by the use of a particular type of tool. Essentially, it is used in the names of eras of human history. It is most often used in archaeological and anthropological terms.

The form -lithic comes from Greek �����ٳ󾱰�ó��, meaning “of stone.”

Corresponding forms of -lithic combined to the beginning of words are litho- and -lith. Learn more at our �y��vlogs That Use articles for these forms.

An example of a word you may have encountered that features -lithic ������Paleolithic, “of relating to, or characteristic of the cultures of the late Pliocene and the Pleistocene epochs, or early phase of the Stone Age.”

The paleo- part of the word may look familiar; it means “old” or “ancient.” The -lithic portion of the word, as we know, is used to name an era of human history. Paleolithic literally means “of ancient stone” or, more generally, “of ancient history.”

What are some words that use the combining form -lithic?

• Aeneolithic
• Chalcolithic
• Epipaleolithic
• Mesolithic
• Neolithic

What are some other forms that -lithic may be commonly confused with?

• -lite
• -lith
• -lyze

In some instances, words ending in -lith are further modified with the suffix -ic, which is used to form adjectives. For example, something with the characteristics of a monolith may be called monolithic. This word does not use -lithic to indicate an era of human history.

The combining form chalco- means “copper.” With this in mind, what was significant about the Chalcolithic age?