1. containing or producing carbon or coal
2. relating to the Carboniferous period in geological history when coal deposits were formed
Usage: geological

Examples

• The carboniferous rocks in this region contain rich coal seams.
• Miners discovered carboniferous deposits deep underground.
• The Carboniferous period lasted from about 359 to 299 million years ago.
• Carboniferous forests eventually became the coal we use today.
• Geologists study carboniferous formations to understand ancient climates.
• The carboniferous layers reveal evidence of prehistoric swamps.
• Many carboniferous plants grew in warm, humid conditions.