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Pliocene

Definition of Pliocene

adjective

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

The Pliocene epoch lasted from 5.2 to 1.64 million years ago. Temperatures were falling at this time and many mammals were becoming extinct. The first hominids, including Australopithecus and Homo habilis, appeared

Origin:

mid 19th century: from Greek pleiōn 'more' + kainos 'new'

Pliocene in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of Pliocene in the US English dictionary
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