Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Of or relating to the Triassic period: Pertaining to the first geological period of the Mesozoic Era, characterized by the rise of dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and significant volcanic activity.
   • Denoting the Triassic period: Used to describe rocks, fossils, or events from this specific time in Earth's history.

2. Noun:

   • The Triassic period: A geological period spanning from approximately 252 to 201 million years ago, following the Permian and preceding the Jurassic period. It marks the beginning of the Mesozoic Era.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Triassic rocks are often red in color due to desert conditions at that time.
  • Scientists study Triassic fossils to understand early dinosaur evolution.
• Noun:
  • The Triassic ended with a major mass extinction event.
  • Many important reptile groups first appeared in the Triassic.

Advanced Usage

• "Triassic-Jurassic boundary": The geological transition between the Triassic and Jurassic periods, associated with a significant extinction event.
  • Research at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary helps explain the rise of the dinosaurs.

Variants and Related Words

• Trias (n, archaic): An older term for the Triassic period or system.
• Triassic System (n): The stratigraphic rock layers deposited during the Triassic period.

Synonyms

• Lower Mesozoic (adj/n): A less common term referring to the early part of the Mesozoic Era, which includes the Triassic.
• Post-Permian (adj): Referring to the time after the Permian period; can encompass the Triassic.

Related Phrases

• "Triassic fauna": The animal life characteristic of the Triassic period.
  • The Triassic fauna included the first true mammals.
• "Late Triassic": The final epoch of the Triassic period.
  • The first dinosaurs diversified in the Late Triassic.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or denoting the first period of the Mesozoic era

Noun

1. from 230 million to 190 million years ago; dinosaurs, marine reptiles; volcanic activity