Devonian

From Medieval Latin Devōnia (“Devon”) +‎ -an.^[1] By surface analysis, Devon +‎ -ian. Doublet of Dumnonian.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /dɛˈvəʊ.nɪ.ən/
• (US) IPA^(key): /dɪˈvoʊ.ni.ən/
  • (weak vowel merger) IPA^(key): /dəˈvoʊ.ni.ən/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -əʊniən
• Hyphenation: De‧vo‧ni‧an, De‧von‧i‧an

Devonian (not comparable)

1. (geology) Of a geologic period within the Paleozoic era; comprises lower, middle and upper epochs from about 415 to 360 million years ago.
2. (chiefly dated) Of or pertaining to the English region of Devon.
   • 1950 October, G. L. Huxley, “The Westleigh Tramway”, in Railway Magazine, page 735:

     This relic may, perhaps, serve, as a reminder of busier and more prosperous days on this Devonian railway byway.

Devonian (plural Devonians)

1. (chiefly dated) A native or inhabitant of the English region of Devon.

the Devonian

1. (geology) The Devonian period.

• Appendix:Geologic timescale