cryptozoic

American  

[krip-tuh-zoh-ik] / ˌkrɪp təˈzoʊ ɪk /

adjective

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

2. Zoology. living in concealed or secluded places.

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noun

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

Cryptozoic ¹ British  

/ ˌkrɪptəʊˈzəʊɪk /

adjective

1. 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

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noun

1. the Cryptozoic era

cryptozoic ² British  

/ ˌkrɪptəʊˈzəʊɪk /

adjective

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

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Etymology

Origin of cryptozoic

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