Epoch

Definition of Epoch

Ep´och Pronunciation: ĕp´ǒk or ē´pǒk; 277

n.	1.	A fixed point of time, established in history by the occurrence of some grand or remarkable event; a point of time marked by an event of great subsequent influence; as, the epoch of the creation; the birth of Christ was the epoch which gave rise to the Christian era. In divers ages, . . . divers epochs of time were used. - Usher. Great epochs and crises in the kingdom of God. - Trench. The acquittal of the bishops was not the only event which makes the 30th of June, 1688, a great epoch in history. - Macaulay.
	2.	A period of time, longer or shorter, remarkable for events of great subsequent influence; a memorable period; as, the epoch of maritime discovery, or of the Reformation. The influence of Chaucer continued to live even during the dreary interval which separates from one another two important epochs of our literary history. - A. W. Ward.
	3.	(Geol.) A division of time characterized by the prevalence of similar conditions of the earth; commonly a minor division or part of a period. The long geological epoch which stored up the vast coal measures. - J. C. Shairp.
	4.	(Astron.) The date at which a planet or comet has a longitude or position. The capture of Constantinople is an epoch in the history of Mahometanism; but the flight of Mahomet is its era. - C. J. Smith.

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