Cenozoic

adjective

Ce·​no·​zo·​ic ˌsē-nə-ˈzō-ik How to pronounce Cenozoic (audio)
ˌse-
: of, relating to, or being an era of geologic history that extends from the beginning of the Tertiary (see tertiary entry 1 sense 2) period to the present time and is marked by a rapid evolution of mammals and birds and of angiosperms and especially grasses and by little change in the invertebrates
also : relating to the corresponding system of rocks see Geologic Time Table
Cenozoic noun

Word History

Etymology

Greek kainos + English -zoic

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Cenozoic was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near Cenozoic

Cite this Entry

“Cenozoic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cenozoic. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Cenozoic

adjective
Ce·​no·​zo·​ic ˌsē-nə-ˈzō-ik How to pronounce Cenozoic (audio)
ˌsen-ə-
: of, relating to, or being an era of geological history that extends from the beginning of the Tertiary period to the present time and is marked by a rapid evolution of mammals and birds and of flowering plants and especially grasses
also : relating to the corresponding system of rocks see geologic time
Cenozoic noun
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