era
n.-
1 historical period (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea long period of history that is different from others because of a specific event or person.
a major division of time that is a chronological stage in history, often characterized by a particular person, event, or social condition.
ExampleThe invention of the steam engine marked the beginning of a new industrial era.
ExampleHistorians often debate the exact moment that the Victorian era transitioned into the modern age of technology and global conflict.
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2 geological time (n.) C1 Advanced Technical Sciencea very long period of time, lasting millions of years, used to describe the history of the Earth.
a major division of geological time, smaller than an eon and larger than a period, typically spanning hundreds of millions of years.
ExampleDinosaurs lived during the Mesozoic era, which lasted for about 180 million years.
ExampleThe Paleozoic era is characterized by the rapid diversification of marine life and the eventual colonization of land by plants and animals.
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3 personal phase (n.) B1 Intermediate Informala time in your life when you are very interested in a specific thing or behave in a certain way.
a distinct, often temporary phase in an individual's life defined by a specific aesthetic, interest, or lifestyle choice.
ExampleI went through a big jazz era in college where I only listened to old records.
ExampleSocial media trends have popularized the concept of entering a 'villain era' or a 'healing era' to describe shifts in personal priorities.