archaean

¹

/ ɑːˈkɪən /

noun

1. any member of the Archaea , a domain of prokaryotic microorganisms, distinguished from bacteria on molecular phylogenetic grounds and often found in hostile environments, such as volcanic vents and hot springs

Archaean

²

/ ɑːˈkiːən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the highly metamorphosed rocks formed in the early Precambrian era
2. the earlier of two divisions of the Precambrian era, during which the earliest forms of life are assumed to have appeared

Example Sentences

These microbes represent many limbs of the archaean evolutionary tree, indicating that salt-loving adaptations emerged many times.

From New York Times

More, there were even traces of archaean deposits around the borders of the pool, whose depth, in the center, was ascertained to be 164 feet.

From Project Gutenberg

The Philadelphians took to the homeward trail with backward glances and something of regret lest the archaean foundations of that mountain of ore might shift over night.

From Project Gutenberg

Learn from their own words what these geological masters say of these wonderful five hundred feet thick remnants of twelve thousand feet of strata that were once piled here above the archaean rocks.

From Project Gutenberg

Clark turned to his office, still contemplating the dignity of his visitor, the stark simplicity of this archaean aristocrat.

From Project Gutenberg