Hadean

/ˈheɪdiːən/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the Hadean Eon, the earliest period of Earth's history (roughly 4.5 to 4 billion years ago) when the planet was molten and hellish.

Etymology

From Greek 'Hades' (the underworld, named after the god Hades), combined with the geological suffix '-ean.' Scientists chose the name because conditions were thought to resemble hellish conditions.

Kelly Says

Geologists have a dark sense of humor—they literally named Earth's earliest time period after Hell because of the extreme heat, bombardment, and volcanic activity.

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