Era

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A fixed point of time, usually an epoch, from which a series of years is reckoned. The foundation of Solomon's temple is conjectured by Ideler to have been an era. R. S. Poole.

2. A period of time reckoned from some particular date or epoch; a succession of years dating from some important event; as, the era of Alexander; the era of Christ, or the Christian era (see under Christian). The first century of our era. M. Arnold.

3. A period of time in which a new order of things prevails; a signal stage of history; an epoch. Painting may truly be said to have opened the new era of culture. J. A. Symonds.

Synonyms: Epoch; time; date; period; age; dispensation. See Epoch.