Archaean
/ɑːˈkiːən
/(US Archean)
adjective Geology
1Relating to or denoting the aeon that constitutes the earlier (or middle) part of the Precambrian, in which there was no life on the earth. It precedes the Proterozoic aeon and (in some schemes) is preceded by the Priscoan aeon. Also called the Azoic.The answers to questions about early life on Earth are preserved in the oldest rocks, and Canadian earth scientists include some of the world's best Archean geologists and laboratories equipped to study Archean rocks....
- The geological history of Archaean greenstone belts is controversial and, to date, no tectonic model for their evolution has been agreed upon.
- The contacts between the complex and the Archaean metamorphic rocks are intrusive.
1.1 (as noun the Archaean) The Archaean aeon or the system of rocks deposited during it.
The Archaean extended from the origin of the earth (see Precambrian) to about 2,500 million years ago. In schemes which include the Priscoan aeon, the Archaean began about 4,000 million years ago.
Origin
Late 19th century: from Greek arkhaios 'ancient' + -an.
- alienable
- alienage
- alienate
- alienate someone's affections
- alienation
- alienation coefficient
- alienation effect
- alienative
- alienator
- alienatory
- alien-born
- alien duty
- aliened
- alienee
- alien enemy
- alien friend
- alieniloquy
- alienise
- alienism
- alienist
- alienization
- alienize
- alienized
- alien life form
- alien-looking