neocene

The geologist points to a neocene rock layer in the cliff face.

Definition

1. Noun (Geology):
   • A geological epoch: "neocene" refers to a division of the Cenozoic era, typically considered synonymous with the Miocene and Pliocene epochs, representing a period of significant mountain building and mammalian evolution, roughly 23 to 2.6 million years ago.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The neocene epoch saw the rise of many modern mammal families. (This refers to the geological period when mammals diversified.)
  • Geologists study neocene deposits to understand ancient climate shifts. (Deposits from this epoch provide information about past environments.)

Advanced Usage

• "neocene strata": rock layers formed during the neocene epoch.
  • The neocene strata in this region contain abundant fossilized marine life. (The rock layers from that time period preserve sea creature remains.)

Variants and Related Words

• Neogene (adj/n): an alternative term for the same geological period; often used interchangeably with "neocene" in scientific contexts.
  • The Neogene period is divided into the Miocene and Pliocene. (This is a more common term for the neocene epoch.)

Synonyms

• Miocene-Pliocene: the two sub-epochs that make up the neocene.
• Tertiary (upper): a broader term that includes the neocene as part of the later Cenozoic.

Related Idioms

• (No common idioms exist for "neocene," as it is a technical geological term.)

Phrasal Verbs

• (No phrasal verbs are associated with "neocene.")