French word

holocène

Pronunciation

IPA/ɔlɔsɛn/

Meaning

  • masculine nounHolocene

Example

On étudie l'holocène pour comprendre le climat récent.

We study the Holocene to understand the recent climate.

Illustration for holocène (Holocene)

More examples

Tu as vu les vestiges de l'holocène exposés au musée ?

Did you see the Holocene remains on display at the museum?

Core concept

A recent geological interval after the last ice age, with a relatively stable climate and expanding human societies.

Common phrases

  • vestiges de l'holocène

    Holocene remains

  • objets datant de l'holocène

    objects dating from the Holocene

Similar words

ère actuelle: A term for the geological age in which we currently live.
Anthropocène: A proposed geological epoch defined by humanity's major impact on Earth.
période post-glaciaire: A geological period that followed the last ice age.

Definition in French

ère géologique la plus récente, commençant il y a environ 11 700 ans et marquée par la stabilisation du climat et l'expansion des sociétés humaines.

Word origin

The French term holocène was coined in the nineteenth century from Greek holos, 'whole', and kainos, 'new', for the fully recent geological epoch.

Usage tips

  • Holocène is a masculine noun, and the definite article elides before its silent h: l'Holocène.

Word lists with this word