Mesozoic

Other forms: Mesozoics

The Mesozoic is the middle era of the Phanerozoic eon in Earth's geologic history. Often referred to as the "Age of the Dinosaurs," the Mesozoic era lasted from about 252 million to 66 million years ago.

The Mesozoic is divided into three periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. The term comes from the Greek mesos, "middle," and zoe, "life," as it falls between the Paleozoic and the current Cenozoic era. While famous for the dominance of dinosaurs, the Mesozoic also saw the first birds, mammals, and flowering plants. During the Mesozoic, the supercontinent Pangea gradually broke apart into separate continents. The era ended abruptly with a mass extinction that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs, allowing mammals to eventually take over.

Definitions of Mesozoic

1. adjective

   denoting or relating to the second Phanerozoic era, from about 252 to 66 million years ago
2. noun

   the era of geologic time from about 252 to 66 million years ago; the second Phanerozoic era
   synonyms: Age of Reptiles, Mesozoic era

   example of:

   era, geological era

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