eocene: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “eocene” mean?
The second epoch of the Paleogene period in the Cenozoic era, lasting from about 56 to 33.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The second epoch of the Paleogene period in the Cenozoic era, lasting from about 56 to 33.9 million years ago, characterized by the emergence of modern mammals and a warm global climate.
In geology and paleontology, it refers to the rock layers, fossils, and climatic conditions from that specific geological time period. Informally, it can describe something very ancient or from a distant past.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Technical/scientific term with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “eocene” in a Sentence
[the] Eocene (noun)[the] Eocene (adjective) + noun (e.g., deposits, fauna)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “eocene” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Eocene climate was significantly warmer than today's.
- These Eocene deposits contain well-preserved insect fossils.
American English
- Eocene rock formations are exposed in the Badlands.
- The research focuses on Eocene primate evolution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Standard term in geology, paleontology, climatology, and evolutionary biology.
Everyday
Extremely rare, except in popular science contexts.
Technical
Precise chronological marker for rock layers, fossil assemblages, and climatic events.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “eocene”
- Misspelling as 'Eocine' or 'Eocane'. Using lowercase 'eocene'. Using it as a common adjective for anything old (hypercorrection).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialized scientific term used primarily in geology and paleontology.
The Eocene (56-34 million years ago) is earlier and generally warmer than the Miocene (23-5 million years ago), which saw global cooling and the spread of grasslands.
Only in a metaphorical or humorous way to describe something very old (e.g., 'That computer is from the Eocene epoch'). In normal conversation, 'ancient' or 'prehistoric' is more appropriate.
It comes from the Greek 'kainos', meaning 'recent'. In geological epoch names (e.g., Miocene, Pliocene, Pleistocene), it indicates a subdivision of the Cenozoic era, the 'age of recent life'.
The second epoch of the Paleogene period in the Cenozoic era, lasting from about 56 to 33.
Eocene is usually technical/scientific in register.
Eocene: in British English it is pronounced /ˈiːə(ʊ)siːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈiəˌsin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'EO' as in 'EOS' (Greek goddess of dawn) + 'cene' (from Greek 'kainos' meaning recent). The 'Dawn of the Recent' life forms.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DEEP LAYER OF TIME; A CHAPTER IN EARTH'S HISTORY BOOK.
Practice
Quiz
What major climatic event is associated with the beginning of the Eocene?