Archaean n. (Geol.) The earliest period in geological period, extending up to the Lower Silurian. It includes an Azoic age, previous to the appearance of life, and an Eozoic age, including the earliest forms of life. Note: This is equivalent to the formerly accepted term Azoic, and to the Eozoic of Dawson.
... which thus marks the beginnings of the solid surface of the globe is commonly called by geologists the Archaean rock, and the myriads of uncounted years during which it slowly took shape are called the Archaean age. But the word 'Archaean' itself tells us nothing, being merely a Greek term meaning 'very old.' This Archaean or original rock must necessarily have extended all ... — The Dawn of Canadian History: A Chronicle of Aboriginal Canada • Stephen Leacock
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