Word Nerd Alert: Pristine

November 3, 2026 1 min read

Adjective · \ˈpri-ˌstēn\

: belonging to the earliest period or state : original

“the hypothetical pristine lunar atmosphere”

: not spoiled, corrupted, or polluted (as by civilization) : pure

“a pristine forest”

: fresh and clean as or as if new

“used books in pristine condition”

Roots

From Latin pristinus, “former, original,” related to prior “earlier”

Close cousins

pure, clean

First known use

1534

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