Definitions

1. noun

The period of time before written records were kept, especially the time before the advent of civilization, or the time before a particular event or period.

“The discovery of ancient fossils provided valuable insights into prehistory.”

2. noun

The history of a particular person, place, or thing before a specified event or period.

“The museum exhibit covered the prehistory of the city from its founding to the present day.”

3. noun

The period before a particular event or period, especially a period of development or growth.

“The prehistory of the software involved several years of testing and refinement.”