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Definition of Phanerozoic - 2 dictionary results

Phan⋅er⋅o⋅zo⋅ic

[fan-er-uh-zoh-ik] Geology
–noun
1. the eon comprising the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras.
–adjective
2. of or pertaining to this eon.

Origin:
1925–30; < Gk phaneró(s) manifest, visible + zo- + -ic
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Phan·e·ro·zo·ic   (fān'ər-ə-zō'ĭk)   
adj.  Of or relating to the geologic time period from approximately 570 million years ago to the present, comprising the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras, and marked by an abundance of fossil evidence of life, especially higher forms, in the corresponding rocks. See Table at geologic time.
n.  The Phanerozoic Eon.

[Greek phaneros, visible (from phainein, to cause to appear; see bhā-1 in Indo-European roots) + -zoic.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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