paleo-

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

paleobotany.

Also, pale-, especially British, palae-, palaeo-.

Origin

< Greek palaio-, combining form of palaiós

British Dictionary definitions for paleo-

palaeo-

combining form

old, ancient, or prehistoric: palaeography

Word Origin

from Greek palaios old

paleo-

combining form

variants (esp US) of palaeo-

Word Origin and History for paleo-

before vowels pale- word-forming element used in scientific combinations (mostly since c.1870) meaning "ancient, early, prehistoric, primitive," from Greek palaio-, comb. form of palaios "old, ancient," from palai "long ago, far back," related to palin "again, backwards," tele- "far off, at a distance," from PIE root *kwel- "to turn, move about," also "far" (in space and time); see cycle (n.).

paleo- in Medicine

paleo- or pale-
pref.

Ancient; prehistoric; old: paleopathology.
Early; primitive: paleokinetic.

paleo- in Science

paleo-
A prefix that means "prehistoric" (as in paleontology) or "early or primitive" (as in Paleolithic).