Definition

1. Noun:
   • The Paleo-American culture of Central America and North America: The Clovis culture refers to a prehistoric Native American culture that existed approximately 13,200 to 12,900 years ago. It is distinguished archaeologically by a specific type of stone tool technology.

Usage

The term "Clovis culture" is used as a proper noun to identify a specific archaeological complex from the late Pleistocene epoch. It is typically used in academic, historical, and archaeological contexts. - The Clovis culture is widely considered one of the earliest well-documented cultures in the Americas. - Archaeologists study the migration patterns associated with the Clovis culture.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Evidence of the Clovis culture has been found at sites across North America.
  • The distinctive spear points are the hallmark of the Clovis culture.
  • Researchers debate what caused the disappearance of the Clovis culture.

Advanced Usage

• "Clovis-first model": A theory in archaeology positing that the Clovis culture represents the first human inhabitants of the Americas.
  • The Clovis-first model has been challenged by discoveries of older archaeological sites.

Variants and Related Words

• Clovis point (n): The characteristic fluted stone projectile point used by the Clovis culture.
  • The museum displayed a perfectly preserved Clovis point.
• Pre-Clovis (adj): Referring to archaeological sites or evidence believed to be older than the Clovis culture.
  • Pre-Clovis sites suggest an earlier human presence in the continent.

Synonyms

• Paleo-Indian culture: A broader term encompassing the early cultures of the Americas, including the Clovis culture.

Noun

1. the Paleo-American culture of Central America and North America; distinguished chiefly by sharp fluted projectile points made of obsidian or chalcedony