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Definition of mesozoic

mesozoic

/ˌmɛz.əˈzoʊ.ɪk/
Mes · o · zo · ic
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mesozoic Lexical Profile

mesozoic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to or denoting the geological era from about 252 to 66 million years ago, comprising the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, and characterized by the dominance of dinosaurs and the appearance of the first mammals, birds, and flowering plants.

Example

"The museum's main hall features an extensive collection of Mesozoic marine reptiles and dinosaur skeletons."

• noun

1

The geological era lasting from approximately 252 to 66 million years ago, between the Paleozoic and Cenozoic eras, encompassing the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, or the system of rocks deposited during this time.

Example

"Conifers and cycads were the dominant terrestrial plants throughout much of the Mesozoic."

• Rhymes for mesozoic

• Nearby Words

mesmerizingly
mesolithic
mesopotamian
mesozoic
mesquite
mess
message

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1840 by the English geologist John Phillips from the Ancient Greek 'mesos' (meaning 'middle') and 'zoion' (meaning 'living being' or 'animal'), referring to the intermediate era of life between the Paleozoic and Cenozoic eras.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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