Cenozoic

The Cenozoic era is the geologic time period we're living in right now. So far, the Cenozoic has lasted for 66 million years and it's commonly referred to as the "Age of Mammals."

The term Cenozoic was coined in 1840 by geologist John Phillips, from the Greek kainos, "new" and zoe, "life." This is the third era, after the Paleozoic and Mesozoic, in the Phanerozoic eon, known for an abundance of complex life. The Cenozoic is defined by an explosion of flowering plants, diversification of modern animals, and the rise of mammals, including our human ancestors. During the Cenozoic, the continents drifted to their current positions, and their current shapes were established.

Definitions of Cenozoic

1. adjective

   denoting or relating to the current era, starting 66 million years ago
2. noun

   the current geologic era, starting about 66 million years ago; the current Phanerozoic era
   synonyms: Age of Mammals, Cenozoic era

   example of:

   era, geological era

   a major division of geological time; an era is usually divided into two or more periods