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Oligocene


Definition of Oligocene

adjective

Geology
  • relating to or denoting the third epoch of the Tertiary period, between the Eocene and Miocene epochs.
  • (as noun the Oligocene) the Oligocene epoch or the system of rocks deposited during it.

The Oligocene epoch lasted from 35.4 to 23.3 million years ago. It was a time of falling temperatures, with evidence of the first primates

Origin:

mid 19th century: from oligo- 'few' + Greek kainos 'new'

Oligocene in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of Oligocene in the US English dictionary
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