adj.
Pronunciation: ˌ pr ē -(h)is- ' to ̇ r-ik, - ' tär-
Variant: also pre · his · tor · i · cal \ -i-k ə l \
Function: adjective
Date: 1851
1 : of, relating to, or existing in times antedating written history
2 : of or relating to a language in a period of its development from which contemporary records of its sounds and forms have not been preserved
3 : regarded as being outdated or outmoded < prehistoric attitudes>
– pre · his · tor · i · cal · ly \ -i-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb