Mesolithic

[mez-uh-lith-ik, mes-, mee-zuh-, -suh-] /ˌmɛz əˈlɪθ ɪk, ˌmɛs-, ˌmi zə-, -sə-/

adjective, Anthropology. (sometimes lowercase)
1.
of, relating to, or characteristic of a transitional period of the Stone Age intermediate between the Paleolithic and the Neolithic periods, characterized by adaptation to a hunting, collecting, and fishing economy based on the use of forest, lakeside, and seashore environments; Epipaleolithic.
/ˌmɛsəʊˈlɪθɪk/
noun
1.
the period between the Palaeolithic and the Neolithic, in Europe from about 12 000 to 3000 bc, characterized by the appearance of microliths
adjective
2.
of or relating to the Mesolithic
adj.

1866 in archaeology (somewhat earlier in geology); see meso- + lithic.
Mesolithic
(měz’ə-lĭth’ĭk)
The cultural period of the Stone Age that developed primarily in Europe between the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, beginning around 10,000 years ago and lasting in various places as late as 3000 BCE. The Mesolithic is marked by the appearance of small-bladed, often hafted stone tools and weapons and by the beginnings of settled communities. European Mesolithic cultures existed contemporaneously with the early Neolithic cultures of the Middle East and disappeared in any particular region with the introduction of agriculture. Also called Middle Stone Age. Compare Neolithic, Paleolithic.