folsom point: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Archaeological, Anthropological, Historical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “folsom point” mean?
A specific type of stone projectile point associated with the Paleo-Indian period in North America, known for its characteristic fluting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific type of stone projectile point associated with the Paleo-Indian period in North America, known for its characteristic fluting.
Any artifact or example of this distinct fluted point technology; can be used metaphorically to represent early human innovation or a specific, defining characteristic of an ancient culture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties, but the term is far more common in American contexts due to its North American provenance. In the UK, it would only appear in specialist archaeological texts.
Connotations
In the US, it carries connotations of ancient American history, the peopling of the Americas, and early hunting cultures. In the UK, its connotations are purely academic/scientific.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare in general British English; low to mid-frequency in specific American academic fields like archaeology or anthropology.
Grammar
How to Use “folsom point” in a Sentence
The [archaeologist] found a [Folsom point] at the [site].The [site] is known for its [Folsom points].[Folsom points] are [fluted].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “folsom point” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The site has been Folsom-pointed, indicating a later occupation.
American English
- Researchers are debating how exactly the Paleo-Indians Folsom-pointed their spear tips.
adjective
British English
- The Folsom-point assemblage was carefully catalogued.
American English
- They discovered a Folsom-point workshop site in New Mexico.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in archaeology, anthropology, history, and prehistory papers to describe a specific artifact type and its associated culture.
Everyday
Extremely rare; might appear in documentaries, museum visits, or regional history discussions in the American Southwest/Plains.
Technical
Precise term in lithic analysis, artifact typology, and Paleo-Indian studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “folsom point”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “folsom point”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “folsom point”
- Using lowercase ('folsom point').
- Using it as a general term for any arrowhead.
- Misspelling as 'Folsom point' (correct) vs. 'Folsom point' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are fluted, but Folsom points are generally smaller, more finely made, and have fluting that extends nearly the full length of the point. Clovis points are larger, older, and have shorter flutes.
Primarily on the Great Plains and in the Southwestern United States, often in association with the remains of extinct bison.
The fluting (the long groove) is thought to have aided in hafting the point to a spear shaft. It also represents a sophisticated and risky lithic technology.
It is a highly specialised term. In everyday conversation, you would simply say 'an ancient arrowhead' or 'spear point' unless you were specifically discussing North American archaeology.
A specific type of stone projectile point associated with the Paleo-Indian period in North America, known for its characteristic fluting.
Folsom point is usually archaeological, anthropological, historical, academic in register.
Folsom point: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɒl.səm ˌpɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfoʊl.səm ˌpɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not a basis for common idioms. May appear in academic metaphors like 'the Folsom point of the argument' meaning a defining, sharp piece of evidence.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FOOL (sounds like 'Folsom') trying to hunt a SOM (rhymes with 'mammoth') with a sharply POINTed, grooved spear tip. The groove is the defining feature.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PRECISE AND DEFINING FEATURE (e.g., 'His critique was the Folsom point of the debate, piercing directly to the core issue.').
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'Folsom point' primarily associated with?