Carboniferous

/ˌkɑːbəˈnɪfəɹəs/

Carboniferous

English Adj

Definition

Of a geologic period within the Paleozoic era; comprises the lower, middle and upper Mississippian and lower, middle and upper Pennsylvanian epochs from about 345 to 280 million years ago, when coal was laid down.

Etymology

From carboniferous (“producing carbon”), from carbon + -i- + -ferous.