preliterate

Definition of Preliterate in English :

1. preliterate

not yet having acquired the ability to read and write

2. nonliterate, preliterate

used of a society that has not developed writing

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Preliterate

adjective

relating to a society that has not developed a written language

adjective

of or belonging to a society not having a writing system for its language

adj.

1. Of, relating to, or being a culture not having a written language.

2. Of, relating to, or being one who has not yet acquired or developed literacy skills: picture books for preliterate children.

n.

1. A person who is preliterate.

2. (used with a plural verb) People who are preliterate, considered as a group.