Villafranchian

 
Pronunciation: /ˌvɪləˈfraŋkɪən/

adjective

  • relating to or denoting an age (or stage) in Europe crossing the boundary of the Upper Pliocene and Lower Pleistocene, lasting from about 3 to 1 million years ago.
  • (as noun the Villafranchian) the Villafranchian age or stage, or the system of deposits laid down during it.

Origin:

late 19th century: from French villafranchien, from Villafranca d'Asti, the village in northern Italy near which exposures of this period occur