epoch
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Medieval Latin epocha, from Ancient Greek ἐποχή (epokhē, “a check, cessation, stop, pause, epoch of a star, e.g., the point at which it seems to halt after reaching the highest, and generally the place of a star; hence, a historical epoch”), from ἐπέχειν (epechein, “to hold in, check”), from ἐπί (épí, “upon”) + ἔχειν (echein, “to have, hold”).
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Noun
epoch (plural epochs)
- A particular period of history, especially one considered remarkable or noteworthy.
- A notable event which marks the beginning of such a period.
- (astronomy) A precise instant of time that is used as a reference point.
- (computing, uncountable) A precise instant of time that is used as a reference point (e.g. January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 UTC).
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
particular period of history
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notable event
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Translations to be checked
[edit] External links
- epoch in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- epoch in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
- epoch at OneLook Dictionary Search
