era

era

noun \ˈer-ə, ˈe-rə, ˈir-ə\

Definition of ERA

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>

Examples of ERA

1. the era of the horse and buggy
2. We're just now entering an era of great prosperity.
3. His death marks the end of an era.

Origin of ERA

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

First Known Use: 1615

Related to ERA

Synonyms

day, epoch, age, period, time

Related Words

cycle, generation, year; bit, space, span, spell, stretch, while; date, vintage

See Synonym Discussion at period

Other Calendar Terms

antedate, estival, gloaming, luster, sesquicentennial

Rhymes with ERA

Berra, Gera, Hera, Sarah, sclera, terra

ERA

abbreviation

Definition of ERA

1

earned run average

2

Equal Rights Amendment

Other Baseball Terms

alley, cleanup, nightcap, safety, save, shag

era

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Very long span of geologic time; in formal usage, a portion of geologic time of the second-greatest magnitude (eons are longer). Three eras are recognized: Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic. Because of the difficulties involved in establishing accurate chronologies, the Precambrian, or earliest, eras are classified independently. An era is composed of one or more geologic periods.