Epoch Definition

ĕpək, ēpŏk
epochs
noun
epochs
The beginning of a new and important period in the history of anything.
The first earth satellite marked a new epoch in the study of the universe.
Webster's New World
A period of time considered in terms of noteworthy and characteristic events, developments, persons, etc.
An epoch of social revolution.
Webster's New World
A point in time or a precise date.
Webster's New World

A subdivision of a period in geologic time corresponding to the rock strata of a series.

Webster's New World
The time at which observations are made, as of the positions of planets or stars.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Epoch

Noun

Singular:
epoch
Plural:
epochs

Origin of Epoch

  • From Medieval Latin epocha, from Ancient Greek ἐποχή (epokhē, “a check, cessation, stop, pause, epoch of a star, e.g., the point at which it seems to halt after reaching the highest, and generally the place of a star; hence, a historical epoch”), from ἐπέχειν (epechein, “to hold in, check”), from ἐπί (épí, “upon”) + ἔχειν (echein, “to have, hold”).

    From Wiktionary

  • Medieval Latin epocha measure of time from Greek epokhē a point in time segh- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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