n., a. the branch of anthropology that studies prehistoric people and their cultures. Same as Archæology, etc. Syn. -- archaeology, Archæology [ 1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5 ]
n. 1. an extinct primitive toothed bird (Archaeopteryx lithographica) of the Upper Jurassic having a long feathered tail and hollow bones; usually considered the most primitive of all known birds. Same as archaeopteryx. Syn. -- archaeopteryx. [ WordNet 1.5 ]
n. 1.1 the time from 1.5 billion to 5 billion years ago, when the earth's crust was formed; the time when only unicellular organisms and the earliest forms of life are present. Same as Archaeozoic. Syn. -- Archaeozoic, Archeozoic era, Archaeozoic era [ WordNet 1.5 ]