Definition of "epoch" []

• A particular period of history, especially one considered remarkable or noteworthy. (noun)
• A notable event that marks the beginning of such a period. See Synonyms at period. (noun)
• A unit of geologic time that is a division of a period. (noun)
• Astronomy An instant in time that is arbitrarily selected as a point of reference. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Marriage, whatever its particular manifestation in a particular culture or epoch, is essentially about who may and who may not have sexual access to a woman when she becomes an adult, and is also about how her adulthood -- and sexual accessibility -- is defined."
• "Special elections require time, and, especially in epoch of such delicacy, special elections may inhibit the ability to pass important legislation."
• "In this street, stunt performers in epoch dresses walked around Lisbon in old cars and distributed the "Mad Men News" newspaper."