Webster's English Dictionary

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epoch

Cross references:
  1. period                
 
ep.och \'ep-*k, 'ep-.a:k also 'e--.pa:k\ \'ep-*-k*l, 'ep-.a:k-*l\ \-*-le-\ 
   n [ML epocha, fr. Gk epoche- cessation, fixed point, fr. epeche]in to 
   pause, hold back, fr. epi- + echein to hold - more at SCHEME 1: an instant 
   of time or a date selected as a point of reference in astrono my 2a: an 
   event or a time marked by an event that begins a new period or devel opment 
   2b: a memorable event or date  2c: TIME  3a: an extended period of time 
   usu. characterized by a distinctive developm ent or by a memorable series 
   of events 3b: a division of geologic time less than a period and greater 
   than an age  - ep.och.al aj