chellean
Definition
- Adjective (Geology, Geography):
- Relating to the Chellean period, an archaeological and geological subdivision of the early Paleolithic era, specifically the Lower Paleolithic period in Europe and Africa, characterized by the use of early stone tools such as handaxes. This term is now largely obsolete, replaced by "Abbevillian" or "Oldowan" in modern classifications.
Usage Examples
- (Referring to stone tools from the early Paleolithic period.)
- (Describing a specific time period in the Quaternary era.)
Advanced Usage
- "Chellean culture": a term historically used to describe the earliest known stone tool industries, particularly in Europe.
- The chellean culture is now understood to overlap with the Acheulean tradition. (Linking to a more well-known archaeological culture.)
Variants and Related Words
- Chelle (n): the town in France (Chelles) from which the term is derived.
- The name chellean comes from the site of Chelles near Paris. (Etymology reference.)
- Abbevillian (adj): the modern equivalent term for the same period.
- Chellean tools are often called Abbevillian in later literature. (Synonym in updated terminology.)
Synonyms
- Abbevillian: relating to the early Paleolithic industry of handaxes.
- Oldowan: an even earlier stone tool industry (though technically distinct).
Related Idioms
- "Chellean handaxe": a specific type of bifacial stone tool typical of this period.
- The chellean handaxe is a hallmark of early human technology. (A characteristic artifact.)