Devonian meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

Devonian

adj

UK /dɛˈvəʊ.nɪ.ən/ · US /dɪˈvoʊ.ni.ən/

Etymology From Medieval Latin Devōnia (“Devon”) + -an. By surface analysis, Devon + -ian. Doublet of Dumnonian.

Geography, Geology, Natural sciences Of a geologic period within the Paleozoic era; comprises lower, middle and upper epochs from about 415 to 360 million years ago.

Dated Of or pertaining to the English region of Devon.

This relic may, perhaps, serve, as a reminder of busier and more prosperous days on this Devonian railway byway.1950 October, G. L. Huxley, “The Westleigh Tramway”, in Railway Magazine, page 735:

Devonian

noun

Etymology From Medieval Latin Devōnia (“Devon”) + -an. By surface analysis, Devon + -ian. Doublet of Dumnonian.

Dated A native or inhabitant of the English region of Devon.