Dinantian

/dɪˈnænʃən/ adjective

Definition

Relating to a geological period in the Carboniferous era, named after the city of Dinant, Belgium.

Etymology

From Dinant, Belgium + '-ian' suffix. Named because rocks from this period were first studied in Dinant. The Dinantian is a division of the lower Carboniferous period.

Kelly Says

Geologists literally named an entire prehistoric epoch after a Belgian city because the rock formations there were so perfect for study—meaning strata from 360 million years ago are forever tagged with a medieval town's name.

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