Paleozoic

[pey-lee-uh-zoh-ik or, esp. British, pal-ee-]Geology

adjective

noting or pertaining to an era occurring between 570 million and 230 million years ago, characterized by the advent of fish, insects, and reptiles.

noun

the Paleozoic Era or group of systems.

Origin of Paleozoic

1830–40; paleo- + -zoic < Greek zōïkós pertaining to animals; see zo-, -ic

Related formspost-Pa·le·o·zo·ic, adjectivepre-Pa·le·o·zo·ic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for paleozoic

Historical Examples of paleozoic

The period following on after Archean time is called, by geologists, Paleozoic time.
The Prehistoric World
E. A. Allen
It is but a glimpse we get into the immeasurable distance of the Paleozoic.
The Guardians of the Columbia
John H. (John Harvey) Williams
They existed only during the first half of the Paleozoic era.
Geology
William J. Miller
Cambrian , the first period of the Paleozoic era,—that of the first abundance of marine animals.
Unexplored!
Allen Chaffee
See what it means to tell these kids about the Paleozoic age and sich, Ruthie!
The Corner House Girls' Odd Find
Grace Brooks Hill

Word Origin and History for paleozoic

Paleozoic

adj.

in reference to the geological era between the Precambrian and the Mesozoic, 1838, coined by Adam Sedgwick (1785-1873) from paleo- + Greek zoe "life."

paleozoic in Science

Paleozoic

[pā′lē-ə-zō′ĭk]

The era of geologic time from about 540 to 245 million years ago. The beginning of the Paleozoic Era is characterized by a great diversity of marine invertebrate animals. Primitive fish and reptiles, land plants, and insects also first appeared during this time. The end of the Paleozoic is marked by the largest recorded mass extinction in the Earth's history, which wiped out nearly 90% of known marine life forms. See Chart at geologic time.