What term describes the combination of existing cultural items into a new form that did not previously exist?

The term that describes the combination of existing cultural items into a new form that did not previously exist is invention. In sociology, invention refers to the creative process whereby new ideas, concepts, or artifacts are developed from pre-existing cultural elements. This can involve the synthesis of various cultural items to produce something unique, reflecting the dynamic nature of culture.

For example, the creation of the smartphone involved combining various technologies like telecommunication, computing, and the internet into a single device that transformed communication and access to information. Inventions often play a crucial role in driving societal change and advancing cultural evolution, highlighting the innovative capacities of communities as they build upon prior knowledge and practices.

In contrast, innovation typically refers to the broader application and implementation of an invention or novel idea, rather than the act of creating something new from existing components. Assimilation and acculturation pertain more to processes of cultural exchange and integration rather than the creation of new cultural forms from combinations of existing items.