Holocene

American  

[hol-uh-seen, hoh-luh-] / ˈhɒl əˌsin, ˈhoʊ lə- /

adjective

1. recent.

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noun

1. recent.

Holocene British  

/ ˈhɒləˌsiːn /

adjective

1. of, denoting, or formed in the second and most recent epoch of the Quaternary period, which began 10 000 years ago at the end of the Pleistocene

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noun

1. the Holocene epoch or rock series

Holocene Scientific  

/ hŏl′ə-sēn′,hō′lə-sēn′ /

1. The more recent of the two epochs of the Quaternary Period, beginning at the end of the last major Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago. It is characterized by the development of human civilizations.

2. Also called Recent

3. See Chart at geologic time

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Etymology

Origin of Holocene

First recorded in 1895–1900; holo- + -cene

Compare meaning

How does holocene compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Holocene vs. Anthropocene

Example Sentences

Global temperatures rose, the early Holocene began, and human communities gradually shifted toward more permanent settlements.

From Science Daily

With a width of 900 meters, it is the largest verified crater from this period -- surpassing Russia's Macha crater, which measures 300 meters and was previously considered the biggest Holocene impact site.

From Science Daily

Although the event occurred in the early Holocene epoch, when global temperatures were naturally higher than during the last Ice Age, the same physical processes are relevant today.

From Science Daily

Using this data, the team reconstructed ocean changes stretching back almost 12,000 years to the start of the Holocene epoch, which began after the last major ice age.

From Science Daily

This timing in the Late Holocene period lines up with broader climatic shifts in the region, the researchers noted, coming around the same time as low-magnitude fires became more commonplace in the landscape.

From Science Daily