[ep.och] n [ML epocha, fr. Gk epoche cessation, fixed point, fr. epechein to pause, hold back, fr. epi- + echein to hold--more at scheme] (1614) 1 a: an event or a time marked by an event that begins a new period or development b: a memorable event or date
2. a: an extended period of time usu. characterized by a distinctive development or by a memorable series of events b: a division of geologic time less than a period and greater than an age
3: an instant of time or a date selected as a point of reference (as in astronomy) syn see period