- preliterate
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1. lacking a written language; nonliterate: a preliterate culture.2. occurring before the development or use of writing.[1920-25; PRE- + LITERATE]
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Universalium. 2010.
preliterate
Look at other dictionaries:
preliterate — [prē΄lit′ər it] adj. [ PRE + LITERATE] of or belonging to a society not having a writing system for its language … English World dictionary
preliterate — adjective Date: 1925 1. a. not yet employing writing as a cultural medium b. lacking the use of writing 2. antedating the use of writing • preliterate noun … New Collegiate Dictionary
preliterate — pre|lit|e|rate [pri:ˈlıtərıt] adj a society that is preliterate has not developed a written language →↑illiterate … Dictionary of contemporary English
preliterate — pre|lit|er|ate [ ,pri lıtərət ] adjective a preliterate society does not have a written language … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
preliterate — adjective technical a society that is preliterate has not developed a written language compare illiterate … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
preliterate — UK [ˌpriːˈlɪt(ə)rət] / US [ˌprɪˈlɪtərət] adjective a preliterate society does not have a written language … English dictionary
preliterate — pre•lit•er•ate [[t]priˈlɪt ər ɪt[/t]] adj. 1) ant lacking a written language; nonliterate: a preliterate culture[/ex] 2) ant occurring before the development or use of writing • Etymology: 1920–25 … From formal English to slang
preliterate — /ˌpriˈlɪtərət/ (say .pree lituhruht) adjective not leaving or having written records: a preliterate culture …
preliterate — 1. adjective a) that has not yet developed a written language b) who has not yet learned to read and write 2. noun a member of such a culture … Wiktionary
preliterate — prÉªË lɪtÉ™rÉ™t / trÉ™t adj. preceding the advent of writing, predating the use of writing; (about a culture) not using writing systems … English contemporary dictionary