paleo-

especially before a vowel, pale-;

1. a combining form meaning “old” or “ancient,” especially in reference to former geologic time periods, used in the formation of compound words.

   paleobotany.

paleo-

combining form

1. variants (esp US) of palaeo-

paleo–

1. A prefix that means “prehistoric” (as in paleontology) or “early or primitive” (as in Paleolithic).

Word History and Origins

Origin of paleo-¹

From Greek palaio-, combining form of palaiós

Example Sentences

You find yourself suddenly picking up a book called “Nom Nom Paleo” and it’s like well, here’s where we’re at.

From Los Angeles Times

Gwyneth Paltrow said she has returned to eating food she previously restricted, including sourdough bread, pasta and cheese, having been on a strict paleo diet for several years.

From BBC

A paleo diet is based on the idea that if we eat like our ancient ancestors, we'll be healthier and reduce our risk of certain diseases.

From BBC

"It's the reason that Brad and I became paleo a few years ago now, although I'm a little bit sick of it, if I'm honest," she added, with reference to her husband Brad Falchuk, co-creator of the Glee TV series.

From BBC

As Alexander described it, the gray tribe espouses “libertarian political beliefs, Dawkins-style atheism, vague annoyance that the question of gay rights even comes up, eating paleo, drinking Soylent, calling in rides on Uber, reading lots of blogs, calling American football ‘sportsball,’ getting conspicuously upset about the War on Drugs and the NSA…”

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does paleo- mean?

Paleo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “old” or "ancient." It is often used in scientific terms, especially in reference to periods of geologic time, like paleolithic, and ancient fossils.Paleo- comes from Greek palaiós, meaning “ancient.” The Latin translation of palaiós was antīquus, the source of words such as antique and antiquated.What are variants of paleo-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, paleo- becomes pale-, as in palearctic.Paleo- is the US English spelling of this combining form. In British English, it is spelled palaeo- or palae-, respectively, as in palaeolith. In some instances, the -ae- is spelled with the digraph æ, becoming palæo- or palæ-, as in palæolith.