Cambrian

adjective

Cam·​bri·​an ˈkam-brē-ən  ˈkām- 

1

: welsh

2

: of, relating to, or being the earliest geologic period of the Paleozoic era or the corresponding system of rocks marked by fossils of nearly every major invertebrate animal group see Geologic Time Table

Cambrian noun

Examples of Cambrian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His work links these dramatic climate shifts to the Cambrian explosion of life around 520 million years ago. —David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025

This explains the confusion with these early Cambrian animals. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 21 May 2025

From Ediacaran Precursors To The Cambrian Explosion The discovery and classification of Dickinsonia have had profound implications for our understanding of the Cambrian explosion. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Scientists working at the Royal Ontario Museum have discovered Cambrian Period creatures known as sea moths with a seemingly alien third eye, but also anatomical features more in line with modern animals. —Ian Austen, New York Times, 17 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin Cambria Wales, from Middle Welsh Cymry Wales, Welshmen

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Cambrian

• precambrian

Kids Definition

Cambrian

adjective

Cam·​bri·​an ˈkam-brē-ən  ˈkām- 

: of, relating to, or being the earliest period of the Paleozoic era of geological history or the corresponding system of rocks marked by fossils of nearly every major invertebrate animal group see geologic time

Cambrian noun