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Cretaceous
This term is a specialized geological descriptor used almost exclusively within the fields of paleontology and stratigraphy. It carries a neutral, scientific tone and is rarely used outside of academic or educational contexts to describe the specific era of the Mesozoic Era.
Because it refers to a unique, singular period of Earth's history, it functions as a proper adjective. It is typically paired with nouns like period, strata, or deposits to specify the temporal and physical origin of geological samples.
Meanings
Relating to or denoting the geological period from approximately 145 to 66 million years ago, characterized by the widespread deposition of chalk and the dominance of dinosaurs.
The Cretaceous period ended with a mass extinction event.
Examples
The museum exhibit showcases various cretaceous fossils.
Look at the size of this cretaceous dinosaur skull.
These rock layers are clearly cretaceous in origin.
I wonder if there were any mammals during the cretaceous era.
The professor explained the climate shifts of the cretaceous period.
White chalk deposits are a hallmark of cretaceous seas.
We are studying the transition from the Jurassic to the cretaceous.
The cretaceous landscape was dominated by flowering plants.
Is this specimen from the early or late cretaceous?