Neocomian
/ˌniːə(ʊ)ˈkəʊmɪən/Geology
adjective
Of, relating to, or designating the oldest part of the Lower Cretaceous period, or the series of rocks laid down at that time (originally specifically in Switzerland and France).
noun
Frequently with the. The Neocomian period; the series of rocks laid down during this time.
- Now usually held to include the Berriasian, Valanginian, and Hauterivian stages of the Cretaceous (between approx. 144 and 125 million years ago) but sometimes applied to greater or lesser extents of the Cretaceous..
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Proceedings of the Geological Society of London. From French Néocomien from post-classical Latin Neocomium (from ancient Greek νέος new + κώμη village + -ium), Latinized form of Neuchâtel, the name of a city in the Jura mountains of Switzerland + French -en.