Carboniferous
|car-bon-i-fer-ous|
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/ˌkɑɹbəˈnɪfɚəs/
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/ˌkɑːbəˈnɪfərəs/
coal-bearing; of the Carboniferous period
Etymology
'carboniferous' originates from New Latin/Modern Latin, specifically from the elements 'carbo' and 'ferre' (attested in compounds as '-ferous'), where 'carbo' meant 'coal' and 'ferre' meant 'to bear (carry)'.
'carboniferous' was coined in scientific usage in the early 19th century (New Latin formations referring to 'coal-bearing' strata) and entered English as the adjective and the name of the geologic period 'Carboniferous'.
Initially it meant 'bearing or producing coal' (literally 'coal-bearing'); over time it came also to denote the geologic period characterized by extensive coal formation and its associated rock strata.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a geologic period and system spanning roughly 359 to 299 million years ago, known for extensive coal-bearing strata.
Many important plant and animal fossils date back to the Carboniferous.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
containing, producing, or relating to coal; belonging to or characteristic of the Carboniferous period.
Carboniferous swamp forests left extensive coal deposits.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/25 02:25