n.
Pronunciation: ' er- ə , ' e-r ə , ' ir- ə
Function: noun
Etymology: Late Latin aera, from Latin, counters, plural of aer-, aes copper, money ― more at ORE
Date: 1615
1 a : a fixed point in time from which a series of years is reckoned b : a memorable or important date or event especially : one that begins a new period in the history of a person or thing
2 : a system of chronological notation computed from a given date as basis
3 a : a period identified by some prominent figure or characteristic feature <the era of the horse and buggy> b : a stage in development (as of a person or thing) c : a large division of geologic time usually shorter than an eon <Paleozoic era >
synonyms see PERIOD