cryptozoic

[ krip-tuh-zoh-ik ]

/ ˌkrɪp təˈzoʊ ɪk /

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adjective

(initial capital letter)Geology. of or relating to that part of Precambrian time whose stratigraphic record yields only sparse, primitive fossils.

Zoology. living in concealed or secluded places.

noun

(initial capital letter)Geology. the part of Precambrian time whose stratigraphic record yields only sparse, primitive fossils.

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Origin of cryptozoic

First recorded in 1890–95; crypto- + zo- + -ic

Words nearby cryptozoic

cryptorchidism, cryptosporidiosis, cryptosporidium, cryptosystem, cryptovolcanic, cryptozoic, cryptozoite, cryptozoology, Cryptozoon, cryptozygous, cryst.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for cryptozoic (1 of 2)

cryptozoic

/ (ˌkrɪptəʊˈzəʊɪk) /

adjective

(of animals) living in dark places, such as holes, caves, and beneath stones

British Dictionary definitions for cryptozoic (2 of 2)

Cryptozoic

/ (ˌkrɪptəʊˈzəʊɪk) /

adjective

of or relating to that part of geological time represented by rocks in which the evidence of life is slight and the life forms are primitive; pre-Phanerozoic

noun

the Cryptozoic the Cryptozoic era