Paleo

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Pertaining to ancient geological eras that came before modern times, particularly in relation to the study of fossils and early life forms
2. Concerning dietary habits or lifestyles that mimic those of early humans, focusing on unprocessed and natural food sources
3. Relating to ancient life forms and geological periods prior to recorded history, especially in the context of fossils and evolutionary biology

Etymology: "Paleo" is a shortening of "paleolithic," the name for the Old Stone Age, the long period when humans lived by hunting and gathering before farming appeared. The clipped form lets the diet's name carry that original meaning: the idea is to eat as people did in that deep past, before grains, dairy and processed foods entered the picture. The shortening itself is the key to the word. "Paleolithic" combines the Greek roots "palaios," meaning "old" or "ancient," and "lithos," meaning "stone." Dropping everything after the first syllable turned a technical archaeological term into a short, catchy label, and "paleo" now works as a standalone adjective.

Synonyms: ancient, prehistoric, primitive, old-fashioned, antiquated

Antonyms: modern, contemporary, new, recent, current