Cambrian

adjective

Cam·​bri·​an ˈkam-brē-ən How to pronounce Cambrian (audio) ˈkām- How to pronounce Cambrian (audio)
1
: welsh
2
: of, relating to, or being the earliest geologic period of the Paleozoic era or the corresponding system of rocks marked by fossils of nearly every major invertebrate animal group see Geologic Time Table
Cambrian noun

Examples of Cambrian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Scientists working at the Royal Ontario Museum have discovered Cambrian Period creatures known as sea moths with a seemingly alien third eye, but also anatomical features more in line with modern animals. Ian Austen, New York Times, 17 May 2025 The fossils found in the Burgess Shale, located within the Canadian Rockies, represent a wide range of animals from the end of the Cambrian Period, when life diversified on a large scale. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 May 2025 The internet has caused a Cambrian explosion of creative expression by allowing artists to execute and distribute their visions with unprecedented ease. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025 Living approximately 558 million years ago — well before the rapid diversification of animal body plans in the Cambrian — Dickinsonia raised fundamental questions about growth, movement and the evolution of early developmental strategies. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Cambrian

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin Cambria Wales, from Middle Welsh Cymry Wales, Welshmen

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Cambrian was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cambrian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cambrian. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

Cambrian

adjective
Cam·​bri·​an ˈkam-brē-ən How to pronounce Cambrian (audio) ˈkām- How to pronounce Cambrian (audio)
: of, relating to, or being the earliest period of the Paleozoic era of geological history or the corresponding system of rocks marked by fossils of nearly every major invertebrate animal group see geologic time
Cambrian noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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