dating
The scientist uses radiometric dating to determine the age of the rock sample.
Noun 1. The process of estimating the age of an object, especially a geological or archaeological specimen, using scientific techniques. * This is the primary scientific meaning. It involves methods like radiocarbon dating or dendrochronology to determine when an object was formed or an event occurred.
The word "dating" in this sense is typically used in academic, scientific, and historical contexts. It is often preceded by a modifier specifying the technique used.
- Noun:
- The dating of the rock samples placed their formation in the Jurassic period.
- Accurate dating of the artifacts was crucial for understanding the timeline of the ancient settlement.
- Radiocarbon dating is a common method for determining the age of organic materials.
- Absolute dating: A dating technique that provides a specific chronological age or range for an object.
- Absolute dating methods, like potassium-argon dating, give numerical ages.
- Relative dating: A technique that determines the order of events or objects from oldest to youngest without specifying their exact age.
- Stratigraphy is a form of relative dating.
- Date (verb): To establish or estimate the age of something.
- Scientists were able to date the fossil to over 10,000 years ago.
- Datable (adjective): Capable of being dated.
- The layer of volcanic ash is a datable horizon.
- Chronology: The arrangement of events in the order of their occurrence, often established through dating.
- Geochronology: The science of determining the age of rocks, fossils, and sediments.
- Age determination
- Chronometric analysis
- Age estimation
This entry covers the specific scientific meaning of "dating" as the process of age estimation. It is distinct from the more common social meaning of "dating" (romantic courtship). In scientific writing, the context or a preceding modifier (e.g., radiometric dating, thermoluminescence dating) always makes this meaning clear.
The scientist uses radiometric dating to determine the age of the rock sample.
- use of chemical analysis to estimate the age of geological specimens