cretaceous

cretaceous Definition

cre·ta·ceous (kri tā′s̸həs, krē-)

adjective

Now Rare containing, composed of, or having the nature of, chalk
designating or of the third and last geologic period of the Mesozoic Era, characterized by the formation of huge oil and chalk deposits, the development of the first flowering plants and placental mammals, and the extinction of toothed birds, ammonites, and dinosaurs

Etymology: L cretaceus < creta: see crayon

cretaceous Idioms

the Cretaceous

the Cretaceous Period or its rocks

cretaceous Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

period: By the end of the cretaceous period, relative sea levels had fallen leaving dry land.
ammonite: This location is superb for its geology but also for its cretaceous ammonites and other fossils.

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