Silurian

From Latin Silurēs +‎ -ian.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /saɪˈlʊə.ɹiː.ən/
• (US) IPA^(key): /sɪˈlʊɚ.i.ən/, /sɪˈlɝ.iː.ən/, /saɪ-/
  • (weak vowel merger) IPA^(key): /səˈlʊɚ.i.ən/, /səˈlɝ.iː.ən/, /saɪ-/

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• Hyphenation: Si‧lu‧ri‧an, Si‧lur‧i‧an

Silurian (comparative more Silurian, superlative most Silurian)

1. (geology) Of a geologic period within the Paleozoic era; comprises the Llandovery, Wenlock, Ludlow and Pridoli epochs from about 439 to 409 million years ago.
   • 1887, R. A. Murray, Victoria. Geology and Physical Geography, page 126:

     In some places, however, quartz reefs, payably auriferous while in Silurian rock, have been followed down to subjacent granite, and have there been found to thin out and become unprofitable […]

2. (archaeology) Of or related to the Silures, a pre-Roman British tribe.

Silurian (plural Silurians)

1. A member of the Silures, an ancient tribe of Britannia.

Silurian

1. (geology) The Silurian period.

• Appendix:Geologic timescale