How Do You Spell PLEIOCENE?

Pronunciation: [plˈe͡ɪə͡ʊsˌiːn] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Pleiocene" may seem tricky, but it's actually quite straightforward once you break it down. The first syllable starts with a "pl" sound, followed by "i" pronounced as in "sit," and then "o" pronounced as in "go." The second syllable begins with "c" as in "cat," followed by "e" pronounced as in "see," and "n" as in "no." The IPA transcription for "Pleiocene" is /ˈpliːəsɛn/. This term refers to a geological epoch that lasted from about 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago.

PLEIOCENE Meaning and Definition

1. The Pleistocene is a geological epoch that spanned from approximately 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago. It is the most recent epoch of the Quarternary period and is characterized by a series of intense glacial and interglacial periods.

   During the Pleistocene, large continental ice sheets advanced and retreated several times, leading to the formation of extensive glaciers. These glaciers dramatically reshaped the Earth's landscape, carving out valleys, fjords, and moraines.

   The Pleistocene is also known for its rich biodiversity, as various species adapted to the changing climatic conditions. Iconic megafauna such as woolly mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and giant sloths thrived during this epoch. Human evolution also took place during the Pleistocene, with the emergence and spread of Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and eventually Homo sapiens.

   The end of the Pleistocene marked the beginning of the Holocene epoch, which represents the present geological period. This epoch is characterized by a relative stability in global climate, allowing for the development of modern civilization.

   The study of the Pleistocene and its impact on Earth's geological history is crucial for understanding climate change, evolution, and the mechanisms that shape our planet. By analyzing various records, such as ice cores, fossils, and sediment layers, scientists gain insights into past climatic variations, ecological dynamics, and the human journey.

2. In geol., a term applied to the Upper Tertiary deposits or strata, as containing a greater percentage of recent testacea than the Miocene or Eocene.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PLEIOCENE

• pleiocehe
• pleiocee
• Pleioce.e

Etymology of PLEIOCENE

The word "Pliocene" is derived from two Greek words: "pleíōn", meaning "more" or "greater", and "kainós", meaning "new". These two words were combined to form "Pleiocene", which refers to a geological epoch that occurred from approximately 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago. The name was coined in the 19th century by British geologist Sir Charles Lyell, who used these Greek terms to allude to the "newer" fossil faunas found in rock layers from this epoch than those of the earlier Miocene epoch.