Anthropocene

noun

An·​thro·​po·​cene ˈan(t)-thrə-pə-ˌsēn 

an-ˈthrä-

: the period of time during which human activities have had an environmental impact on the Earth regarded as constituting a distinct geological age

Most scientists agree that humans have had a hand in warming Earth's climate since the industrial revolution—some even argue that we are living in a new geological epoch, dubbed the Anthropocene.

—Nature, 12 Feb. 2004

Word History

Etymology

anthropo- + -cene

First Known Use

2000, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!