postglacial

[ pohst-gley-shuhl ]

adjective

, Geology.

1. after a given glacial epoch, especially the Pleistocene.

postglacial

/ pəʊstˈɡleɪsɪəl /

adjective

1. formed or occurring after a glacial period, esp after the Pleistocene epoch

postglacial

/ pōst-glā′shəl /

1. Relating to or occurring during the time following a glacial period.

Word History and Origins

Origin of postglacial¹

First recorded in 1850–55; post- + glacial

Example Sentences

Genomic analysis represents a relatively new technique for penetrating the fog of prehistory — a period when the postglacial climate warmed, humans increased in number and cultures flourished.

From Washington Post

Instead, DNA shows an almost complete population replacement: The people who survived the glacial maximum, known as the Magdalenians, all but vanish and are replaced by populations moving north from postglacial Italy.

From Science Magazine

Known as Magdalenians, these first postglacial pioneers appear genetically similar across Europe—and are a perfect match for DNA obtained from a 15,000-year-old bone found in Gough’s Cave, in what is today southwestern England.

From Science Magazine

The Savannah-like habitat was ideal territory for hunting the great beasts that had moved into the postglacial landscape, including mastodon, giant sloth, bison and short-faced bear.

From Seattle Times

“The idol was carved during an era of great climate change, when early forests were spreading across a warmer late glacial to postglacial Eurasia,” Dr. Terberger said.

From New York Times