Pennsylvanian

[ pen-suhl-veyn-yuhn, -vey-nee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the state of Pennsylvania.
2. Geology. noting or pertaining to a period of the Paleozoic Era, occurring from about 310 to 280 million years ago and characterized by warm climates, swampy land areas, and the development of insects and reptiles: sometimes considered as an epoch of the Carboniferous Period.

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Pennsylvania.
2. Geology. the Pennsylvanian Period or System.

Pennsylvanian

/ ˌpɛnsɪlˈveɪnɪən /

adjective

1. of the state of Pennsylvania
2. (in North America) of, denoting, or formed in the upper of two divisions of the Carboniferous period, which lasted 30 million years, during which coal measures were formed See also Mississippian

noun

1. an inhabitant or native of the state of Pennsylvania
2. the Pennsylvanian
   the Pennsylvanian period or rock system, equivalent to the Upper Carboniferous of Europe

Pennsylvanian

/ pĕn′səl-vān′yən /

1. The sixth period of the Paleozoic Era, from about 320 to 286 million years ago. Rock deposits from this period of time alternate between being marine and terrestrial in origin, and are rich in coal. Reptiles first appeared in the Pennsylvanian Period.
2. See Chart at geologic time

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pennsylvanian¹

First recorded in 1675–85; Pennsylvani(a) + -an

Example Sentences

Harris made sure to be very specific about what she wanted Pennsylvanians to do next: providing the hours that they could vote and urging them to get out and do just that.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think there are real questions with how he is spending money in this race — how the dark money is flowing, not just into Pennsylvania but apparently now into the pockets of Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro said.

From Salon

It’s unclear whether the letter was sent to other Pennsylvanians.

From Salon

Pennsylvanians are heading to the polls on Tuesday, with a handful of House primary races in the spotlight.

From New York Times

Elsewhere on the ballot Tuesday, Pennsylvanians will decide nominees for an open attorney general’s office and two other statewide offices — treasurer and auditor general — plus all 17 of the state’s U.S.

From Seattle Times