Archaean

/ɑːrˈkiːən/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the Archaea domain of microorganisms, or referring to the earliest geologic era of Earth's history.

Etymology

From Greek 'archaios' meaning 'ancient'. When applied to geology, it refers to the Archean Eon (4.0-2.5 billion years ago), Earth's most ancient period.

Kelly Says

The Archaean was when Earth was a completely alien world—no oxygen in the air, no complex life, just single-celled organisms and volcanic chaos, yet somehow life got started anyway in those extreme conditions.

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