Phanerozoic

adjective

Phan·​er·​o·​zo·​ic ˌfa-nə-rə-ˈzō-ik 

: of, relating to, or being an eon of geologic history that comprises the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic or the corresponding systems of rocks see Geologic Time Table

Phanerozoic noun

Examples of Phanerozoic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One clue scientists can search for is whether a planet is in a Phanerozoic stage, which would allow a planet to host large and complex life forms. —Michael Lee, Fox News, 18 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Greek phanerós "visible, conspicuous" (from phan-, base of phaínomai, phaínesthai "to become visible, come to light, appear" + -eros, adjective suffix) + -o- + -zoic entry 2 — more at fantasy entry 1

Note: The term was introduced by the American geologist George Halcott Chadwick (1876-1953) in "Subdivision of Geologic Time," Bulletin of the Geological Society of America, vol. 41 (1930), pp. 47-48. The name refers to the easily visible fossil records that appear in this eon, in contrast to the earlier period, which Chadwick referred to collectively as the Cryptozoic (see crypto-, -zoic entry 2).

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Phanerozoic

adjective

Phan·​er·​o·​zo·​ic ˌfan-ə-rə-ˈzō-ik 

: of, relating to, or being an eon of geological history that is made up of the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras or the corresponding systems of rocks see geologic time

Phanerozoic noun