Cambrian
/ˈkæm.bri.ən/noun
Relating to the Cambrian Period, the earliest period of the Paleozoic Era, or to Wales/Cambria.
Did you know?The geological term *Cambrian* was coined from *Cambria*, the Latin name for Wales, because the rocks first studied there defined an entire prehistoric world.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Roman period
Latin
Cambria
“A Latinized name for Wales”
Middle Ages
Latin/English
Cambria
“Poetic or learned name for Wales”
1830s
English
Cambrian
“Used in geology for the oldest named period of the Paleozoic based on Welsh strata”
Modern English
English
Cambrian
“Relating to the Cambrian Period or to Wales”