7 definitions found for pleistocene

Pleistocene n 1: from two million to 11 thousand years ago; extensive glaciation of the northern hemisphere; the time of human evolution [syn: Pleistocene, Pleistocene epoch, Glacial epoch]

Pleistocene 1839, coined by Lyell from Gk. pleistos "most" + kainos "new."

Pleistocene adjective Etymology: Greek pleistos most + International Scientific Vocabulary -cene; akin to Greek pleiōn more Date: 1839 of, relating to, or being the earlier epoch of the Quaternary or the corresponding series of rocks — see geologic time table • Pleistocene noun

Pleistocene
adj. & n. Geol.
--adj. of or relating to the first epoch of the Quaternary period marked by great fluctuations in temperature with glacial periods followed by interglacial periods.
--n. this epoch or system. Also called Ice age.
Usage:
Cf. Appendix II.
Etymology: Gk pleistos most + kainos new

pleistocene
adj. & n. Geol.
--adj. of or relating to the first epoch of the Quaternary period marked by great fluctuations in temperature with glacial periods followed by interglacial periods.
--n. this epoch or system. Also called Ice age.
Usage:
Cf. Appendix II.
Etymology: Gk pleistos most + kainos new

Pleistocene adj. & n. Geol. --adj. of or relating to the first epoch of the Quaternary period marked by great fluctuations in temperature with glacial periods followed by interglacial periods. --n. this epoch or system. Also called Ice age. °Cf. Appendix II. [Gk pleistos most + kainos new]

Pleistocene Pleis"to*cene, a. [Gr. ? most + ? new.] (Geol.) Of or pertaining to the epoch, or the deposits, following the Tertiary, and immediately preceding man. -- n. The Pleistocene epoch, or deposits.