Cambrian

adjective

Cam·​bri·​an ˈkam-brē-ən  ˈkām- 

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

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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Cambrian

• precambrian

Kids Definition

Cambrian

adjective

Cam·​bri·​an ˈkam-brē-ən  ˈkām- 

: 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