Eocene
/ˈiːə(ʊ)siːn
/adjective Geology
1Relating to or denoting the second epoch of the Tertiary period, between the Palaeocene and Oligocene epochs.It includes the Palaeocene, Eocene, and Oligocene epochs, spanning the time from the end of the Mesozoic to the beginning of the Neogene....
- An early Cretaceous to late Eocene volcanic arc was located in the present-day Central Depression.
- Western Ecuador consists of a complex tectonic melange of oceanic terranes accreted to the continental margin from Late Cretaceous to Eocene time.
1.1 (as noun the Eocene) The Eocene epoch or the system of rocks deposited during it.
The Eocene epoch lasted from 56.5 to 35.4 million years ago. It was a time of rising temperatures, and there was an abundance of mammals, including the first horses, bats, and whales.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Greek ēōs 'dawn' + kainos 'new'.