Definition

1. Noun:
   • An immeasurably long period of time: An indefinite and vast duration, often used hyperbolically to mean a very long time.
   • The longest division of geological time: In geology, a major unit of time, longer than an era and comprising multiple eras.
   • (In Gnosticism) A divine emanation: A spiritual being or power that originates from the supreme deity and mediates in the creation and operation of the universe.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Long period):
  • It felt like an aeon had passed before the bus finally arrived.
  • The ancient artifact was created eons ago.
• Noun (Geology):
  • The Phanerozoic aeon is the current geological aeon in Earth's history.
• Noun (Gnosticism):
  • In some Gnostic texts, Sophia is an important aeon.

Advanced Usage

• "For eons": For an extremely long, often unimaginable, period.
  • These mountains have stood for eons.
• "Eons ago": A very, very long time in the past.
  • The dinosaurs went extinct eons ago.

Variants and Related Words

• Eon: This is the standard and more common spelling in American English. "Aeon" is often used in British English and in specific contexts like Gnosticism.
• Aeonian (adj): Lasting for an aeon; eternal.
  • The aeonian cycles of the universe.
• Aeonism (n): A rare term referring to a concept involving vast periods.

Synonyms

• Age: A long period of time, though typically less vast than an aeon.
• Era: A long and distinct period of history.
• Eternity: Infinite or unending time.
• Yonks (informal, British): A very long time.

Antonyms

• Instant: An infinitesimally short period.
• Moment: A very brief point in time.
• Second: A unit of time.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• In the mists of aeons: In the distant, obscure past.
  • The origins of the ritual are lost in the mists of aeons.
• From this aeon to the next: Forever; for all time.
  • I will remember you from this aeon to the next.

Noun

1. an immeasurably long period of time
   • oh, that happened eons ago
2. the longest division of geological time
3. (Gnosticism) a divine power or nature emanating from the Supreme Being and playing various roles in the operation of the universe