Cambrian

[ kam-bree-uh n ]
/ ˈkæm bri ən /

adjective

Geology. noting or pertaining to a period of the Paleozoic Era, occurring from 570 million to 500 million years ago, when algae and marine invertebrates were the predominant form of life.
of or relating to Cambria; Welsh.

noun

Geology. the Cambrian Period or System.
a native of Cambria; Welshman.

Origin of Cambrian

1580–90; < Medieval Latin Cambri(a) Wales, Latinization of MWelsh Cymry Wales, literally Welshmen (see Cymry) + -an

OTHER WORDS FROM Cambrian

post-Cam·bri·an, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for cambrian

British Dictionary definitions for cambrian

Cambrian
/ (ˈkæmbrɪən) /

adjective

of, denoting, or formed in the first 65 million years of the Palaeozoic era, during which marine invertebrates, esp trilobites, flourished
of or relating to Wales

noun

the Cambrian the Cambrian period or rock system
a Welsh person

Scientific definitions for cambrian

Cambrian
[ kăm′brē-ən, kām′- ]

The first period of the Paleozoic Era, from about 540 to 505 million years ago. During this time warm seas and desert land areas were widespread, and animal life diversified rapidly during what is known as the Cambrian Explosion. See Chart at geologic time.