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biface

C2
adjective
Rare

Pronunciation

UK

    US

      Meanings

      Noun

      1. a prehistoric stone tool flaked on both sides

      Beyond the definition

      A biface is an archaeological term for a stone tool worked on both sides. Think of a hand-axe shaped by repeatedly striking stone to remove flakes from both faces, producing a sharp edge and a usable back. That double-sided shaping was a technical breakthrough, showing planning, control, and remarkable skill in early toolmaking. Most commonly, a biface refers to prehistoric artifacts made for cutting, scraping, or piercing, with one form doing many jobs because of how carefully the edge was prepared.

      Examples

      1. 1

        Stone tool

        The archaeologist held up a small biface that had been found near the river.

      2. 2

        Museum explanation

        At the museum, the guide explained how bifaces were made by striking flakes off each side.

      3. 3

        Toolmaking site

        Finding several bifaces in one area suggested that people had once made tools at the site.

      See also

      Similar

      • bifacial tool
      • bifacial implement

      Shades of meaning

      • hand axe

      Contrast

      • uniface

      Used with (collocations)

      • Acheulean biface
      • biface production
      • biface thinning

      Word family

      Explore

      • lithic technology
      • knapping

      Forms and spellings

      1 form open this card.

      Main spelling

      • bifaceadjective