SINCE 1828
Cretaceous
adjective
Cre·ta·ceous
| \ kri-ˈtā-shəs
\
\
Definition of Cretaceous
: of, relating to, or being the last period of the Mesozoic era characterized by continued dominance of reptiles, emergent dominance of angiosperms, diversification of mammals, and the extinction of many types of organisms at the close of the period
also
: of, relating to, or being the corresponding system of rocks — see Geologic Time Table
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on Cretaceous
What made you want to look up Cretaceous? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Finance Words Quiz
-
- The etymology of mortgage is related most closely to which two words?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share Cretaceous
Resources for Cretaceous