preliterature en · ADJ
Etymology
From pre- + literature.
Meanings
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(not-comparable) Before the development of literature.
She also reminds us that in contrast to preliterature societies, the industrial societies have a distinct lack of rituals involving the sense of smell.
1993, Charles S. Van Toller, G. H. Dodd, Fragrance: The psychology and biology of perfume, page 1: