Main Entry: era

Pronunciation: \ˈer-ə, ˈe-rə, ˈir-ə\

Function: noun

Etymology: Late Latin aera, from Latin, counters, plural of aer-, aes copper, money — more at ore

Date: 1615

1 a : a fixed point in time from which a series of years is reckoned b : a memorable or important date or event; especially : one that begins a new period in the history of a person or thing
2 : a system of chronological notation computed from a given date as basis
3 a : a period identified by some prominent figure or characteristic feature <the era of the horse and buggy> b : a stage in development (as of a person or thing) c : a large division of geologic time usually shorter than an eon <Paleozoic era>

synonyms see period