noun
- the current geological epoch, beginning approximately 11,700 years ago after the last ice age and continuing to the present day
Usage: geology; often capitalized
adjective
- of, relating to, or denoting the Holocene epoch
Usage: geology; often capitalized
Examples
- The Holocene epoch began after the retreat of the glaciers.
- Humans have lived throughout the entire Holocene period.
- Holocene climate change has been relatively mild compared to earlier epochs.
- Archaeological evidence from Holocene sites shows the development of agriculture.
- The Holocene is sometimes called the age of humans because of our species' dominance during this time.
- Scientists study Holocene sediments to understand recent environmental changes.