azoic

¹

[uh-zoh-ik, ey-]

adjective

Geology.

1. (formerly) noting or pertaining to the Precambrian Era, especially that part formerly believed to precede the first appearance of life; Archean.

azoic

²

[a-zoh-ik]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the azo group.

azoic

/ eɪ-, əˈzəʊɪk /

adjective

1. without life; characteristic of the ages that have left no evidence of life in the form of organic remains

Word History and Origins

Origin of azoic¹

1840–50; < Greek ázō ( os ) lifeless ( azo- ) + -ic

Origin of azoic²

azo- + -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of azoic¹

C19: from Greek azōos lifeless; see _azo-

Example Sentences

Heretofore, as is well known, an immense series of rocks below the silurians have been termed azoic, as exhibiting no remains of animal life; but this term must now be dismissed.

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Geologists have divided a few years of the worlds history into periods, reaching from the azoic rocks to the soil of our time.

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The latter formation is found in other sections with precarboniferous limestone and also with crystalline limestone of the azoic age.

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When they knocked off the mould, these same authorities found that Challoner was right: this bit of concrete wall was as solid as if it had been cut out of smooth azoic rock.

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Scientists long ago clung to the "azoic hypothesis" about the deep -- the presumption that nothing could possibly be alive so far from the photosynthetic world.

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