Meaning of the word epoch in English

What does epoch mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

epoch

US /ˈiː.pɑːk/
UK /ˈiː.pɒk/
"epoch" picture

Noun

1.

a period in history or a person's life, typically one marked by notable events or particular characteristics

Example:
The invention of the printing press marked a new epoch in human history.
His retirement marked the end of an epoch for the company.
2.

a division of time that is a subdivision of a geological period and is itself subdivided into ages

Example:
The Holocene is the current geological epoch.
Scientists study fossils from different geological epochs to understand Earth's history.
3.

a point in time from which dates are calculated

Example:
The Christian calendar uses the birth of Christ as its epoch.
In computing, an epoch is a date and time from which a computer measures system time.