cuaternario (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Adjective / Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/kwa.teɾˈna.ɾjo/

Translation Options into English

1. Quaternary (as an adjective)
2. Quaternary period (as a noun)

Meaning and Usage

The word "cuaternario" refers to the most recent geological period in the geological time scale, following the Tertiary period. In general, it denotes anything related to this period, which spans from about 2.6 million years ago to the present. The term is used in geology, paleontology, and environmental sciences more than in everyday conversation.

The frequency of use is higher in written contexts, especially in academic and scientific literature, rather than in oral communication.

Example Sentences

1. El Cuaternario es el periodo geológico más reciente de la escala de tiempo terrestre.

2. The Quaternary is the most recent geological period in the Earth’s time scale.

3. Durante el Cuaternario, ocurrieron importantes cambios climáticos que afectaron la flora y fauna del planeta.

4. During the Quaternary, significant climate changes occurred that affected the planet's flora and fauna.

5. Los estudios sobre la era cuaternaria son fundamentales para entender la evolución humana.

6. Studies on the Quaternary Era are essential for understanding human evolution.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Cuaternario" is specifically tied to scientific language, and it doesn't have many direct idiomatic expressions derived from it. However, it may be part of certain specialized phrases in geological or environmental contexts.

Example Sentences with Idiomatic Expressions

1. La era del Cuaternario nos enseña mucho sobre las adaptaciones humanas a cambios drásticos.

2. The Quaternary era teaches us a lot about human adaptations to drastic changes.

3. Los fósiles del Cuaternario son fundamentales para entender la extinción de especies.

4. Quaternary fossils are fundamental for understanding the extinction of species.

Etymology

The term "cuaternario" originates from the Latin word quaternarius, meaning "of four" or "fourfold," which relates to its nature as the fourth major period in the geological time scale (after the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras).

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Menor (in certain contexts referring to lesser) - Cuaternario (when indicating a similar geological context)

Antonyms: - Primario (primary) - Secundario (secondary) - Terciario (tertiary)

Overall, "cuaternario" captures a significant span in Earth's geological history and has particular importance in scientific discussions within relevant fields.