ˈirə, ˈerə, ˈērə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin aera, from Latin, counters, plural of aer-, aes copper, brass, money — more at ore
1. : a system of chronological notation computed from a given date as basis
the Roman era is computed from the date when Rome was supposedly founded
from the beginnings of history to the 5th century of our era
2.
a. : a fixed point in time from which a series of years is reckoned : the basic date of a chronological era
a hundred years before the Christian era
b. : a memorable or important date or event ; especially : one that begins a new period in the history of a person or thing
June 1585 marked an era in the foreign policy of Elizabeth — J.A.Symonds
3. : a period in the history of a person or thing
the seven years … form one of the greatest eras in the annals of British statesmanship — Ernest Barker
as
a. : a period set off or typified by some prominent figure or characteristic feature
a style popular in the Victorian era
dates back to the era of the horse and buggy
calls the twenties an era of extravagance
b. : a period of existence or prevalence of something (as a process, quality, or group)
another era of rapid expansion in industry
an era of prosperity
the relatively brief cowboy era
: day
c. : a stage in the development of a person or thing (as a nation, institution, or art)
during the first era of the nation's existence
a new era in the development of the textbook
specifically : one of the five major divisions of geologic time — see geologic time table
Synonyms: see period