First Known Use: 1614
Dictionary
epoch
noun ep·och \ˈe-pək, ˈe-ˌpäk, US also & British usually ˈē-ˌpäk\
: a period of time that is very important in history
Full Definition of EPOCH
1
a : an event or a time marked by an event that begins a new period or development b : a memorable event or date
2
a : an extended period of time usually characterized by a distinctive development or by a memorable series of events b : a division of geologic time less than a period and greater than an age
3
: an instant of time or a date selected as a point of reference (as in astronomy)
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Origin of EPOCH
Medieval Latin epocha, from Greek epochē cessation, fixed point, from epechein to pause, hold back, from epi- + echein to hold — more at scheme
Synonym Discussion of EPOCH
period, epoch, era, age mean a division of time. period may designate an extent of time of any length <periods of economic prosperity>. epoch applies to a period begun or set off by some significant or striking quality, change, or series of events <the steam engine marked a new epoch in industry>. era suggests a period of history marked by a new or distinct order of things <the era of global communications>. age is used frequently of a fairly definite period dominated by a prominent figure or feature <the age of Samuel Johnson>.
Other Geology Terms
Rhymes with EPOCH
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EPOCH Defined for Kids
epoch
noun ep·och \ˈe-pək\
Definition of EPOCH for Kids
: a period that is important or memorable
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