palaeotechnic
/ˌpalɪə(ʊ)ˈtɛknɪk/ /ˌpeɪlɪə(ʊ)ˈtɛknɪk/adjective
Designating, relating to, or characterized by an early stage of industrial and technological development, especially as dominated by heavy machinery and the exploitation of mineral resources and fossil fuels. Also, in wider use: designating or relating to technology which is regarded as old-fashioned or outmoded.
- The term was popularized by Lewis Mumford in Technics & Civilization (1934) and applied especially to the period prior to the late 19th cent..
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Patrick Geddes (1854–1932), social evolutionist and city planner. From palaeo- + technic, after neotechnic.