How Do You Spell NEOGENE?

Pronunciation: [nˈiːə͡ʊd͡ʒˌiːn] (IPA)

Neogene is a geological era that began around 23 million years ago and lasted until 2.6 million years ago, characterized by the evolution of many modern mammalian families. Its spelling can be explained by the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /niːədʒiːn/. The "neo" prefix means "new," while "gene" refers to "origin" or "birth." The first syllable, pronounced as /niː/ or "nee," derives from its Greek origin "neos," meaning new. The second syllable, pronounced as /dʒiːn/ or "jeen," comes from the Latin word "genus," meaning birth or origin.

NEOGENE Meaning and Definition

  1. The Neogene period is a geological time division that spans from approximately 23 million years ago to 2.6 million years ago. It is the later part of the Cenozoic Era, which is further divided into three epochs: the Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary. The Neogene begins after the Oligocene Epoch and is followed by the Quaternary.

    During the Neogene period, significant geological and biological changes occurred on Earth. It was a time of increased climate cooling and the development of modern ecosystems. The continents continued to shift, resulting in the formation of mountain ranges and the closing of various ancient seaways.

    In terms of life, the Neogene witnessed the rise of mammals, including primates, along with the expansion of grasslands and the diversification of plants. It is also marked by the appearance and diversification of numerous marine species, such as whales and dolphins. Furthermore, the period is notable for the expansion and spread of hominins, our human ancestors.

    The Neogene period played a crucial role in shaping the Earth's current landscape and biodiversity. It provides valuable geological and paleontological evidence for understanding the evolution and development of various life forms. Through the study of Neogene fossils, scientists can gain insights into ancient climate changes, ecosystem dynamics, and the processes that ultimately led to the modern Earth we inhabit today.

  2. Literally, new-born; a term applied by geologists to designate the Pliocene and Niocene tertiaries.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for NEOGENE

Etymology of NEOGENE

The word "Neogene" is derived from the Greek words "neo" meaning "new" and "genos" meaning "kind" or "type". In the context of geology, the term "Neogene" refers to a geological period that spans from about 23 million years ago to 2.6 million years ago, encompassing the Miocene and Pliocene epochs. It was named "Neogene" to signify the "newer" period of geological time following the older "Paleogene" period.

Idioms with the word NEOGENE

  • the Neogene The Neogene refers to a geologic time period that spans from about 23 million to 2.6 million years ago. It is characterized by the presence of mammals, such as primates, apes, and early humans, evolving and diversifying. In the idiom context, "the Neogene" is not typically used figuratively.