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Definition of cretaceous

cretaceous

/krɪˈteɪ.ʃəs/
cre · ta · ceous
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cretaceous Lexical Profile

cretaceous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

(usually capitalized) Relating to or denoting the third and final period of the Mesozoic era, between the Jurassic and Paleogene periods, characterized by the dominance and subsequent extinction of dinosaurs and the diversification of flowering plants.

Example

"Paleontologists uncovered several well-preserved fossils embedded within the Cretaceous rock strata."

2

Resembling, containing, or composed of chalk.

Example

"The coastal cliffs are famous for their bright white, cretaceous formations overlooking the sea."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cretaceous

• noun

1

(capitalized) The geological period of the Mesozoic era lasting from approximately 145 million to 66 million years ago, or the system of rocks deposited during it.

Example

"Many iconic horned and armored dinosaurs evolved during the late Cretaceous."

• Rhymes for cretaceous

• Nearby Words

crested porcupine
crestfallen
cresting
cretaceous
cretan
crete
cretin

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin 'cretaceus' ('chalk-like'), from 'creta' ('chalk, fuller's earth'). The geological period was named in 1822 by Belgian geologist Jean d'Omalius d'Halloy after the extensive chalk beds found in the Paris Basin and northwestern Europe.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cretaceous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cretaceous
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