paleogene: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “paleogene” mean?
A geological period spanning from about 66 to 23 million years ago, immediately following the Cretaceous and preceding the Neogene.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A geological period spanning from about 66 to 23 million years ago, immediately following the Cretaceous and preceding the Neogene; it comprises the Paleocene, Eocene, and Oligocene epochs.
Used as an adjective to describe rocks, fossils, events, or climate conditions from this specific geological period.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences exist between UK and US English for this technical term.
Connotations
Purely technical and denotative in both varieties.
Frequency
Exclusively used in scientific contexts; frequency is identical in relevant academic literature in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “paleogene” in a Sentence
[adjective] Paleogene + noun (e.g., Paleogene strata)[noun] the + PaleogeneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paleogene” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cliff face exposes a clear sequence of Paleogene clays.
- This fossil assemblage is characteristic of the middle Paleogene.
American English
- Paleogene volcanic activity shaped the regional geology.
- Researchers identified a new Paleogene basin.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
The Paleogene Period marks the recovery of ecosystems after the K-Pg mass extinction.
Technical
Paleogene foraminifera are key biostratigraphic markers for dating marine sediments.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “paleogene”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “paleogene”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paleogene”
- Misspelling as 'paleogeen' or 'paleogine'. Using it as a noun for a type of rock instead of as an adjective ('a paleogene' vs. 'a Paleogene shale'). Incorrectly extending the period beyond its defined 23 Ma end.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Tertiary' was an older, broader term that included both the Paleogene and Neogene periods. Modern stratigraphy prefers the more precise division into Paleogene and Neogene.
It derives from Greek 'palaios' (ancient) and 'genos' (birth, kind), meaning 'ancient born' or 'of ancient origin,' referring to the early part of the Cenozoic era.
In formal geological writing, it is often capitalized when referring specifically to the period ('the Paleogene'). It may be in lowercase when used as a general adjective ('paleogene sediments'), though practice varies.
The Paleogene is marked by the rapid evolutionary radiation of mammals to fill ecological niches left vacant after the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event.
A geological period spanning from about 66 to 23 million years ago, immediately following the Cretaceous and preceding the Neogene.
Paleogene is usually technical/academic in register.
Paleogene: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪlɪə(ʊ)dʒiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪlioʊˌdʒiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'PALE OLD GENE': The Paleogene is the 'palely old' genetic/evolutionary starting point for many modern mammal groups.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A LAYER (e.g., 'Paleogene layers record a warming world').
Practice
Quiz
What major biological group radiated during the Paleogene?