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Cainozoic vs Cenozoic?

English Language & Usage Asked on October 31, 2021

I came across "Cainozioc" in place of "Cenozoic" for the geological era. Is this a regional alternative spelling? I’ve never seen it before today, where I saw it in Wikipedia, simply redirecting to Cenozioc. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cainozoic

One Answer

It appears to be a variant and original term for Cenozoic derived from a Greek kainos meaning “new, fresh, recent, novel".

The name "Cenozoic" (originally: "Kainozoic") was proposed in 1840 by the British geologist John Phillips (1800–1874). (Wikipedia).

We observe that Lyell, in his geological works, even the most recent, uses the word Cainozoic instead of Coenozoic or Cenozoic. Why the propounder of the terms Eocene, Miocene, etc., should thus spell the word is incomprehensible. If he is right in it, then to be consistent he ought to say Eocain, Miocain, Pliocain, Post-pliocain; for all have the same root καινός. [American Journal of Sciences and Arts, 1873]

(Etymonline)

Answered by user 66974 on October 31, 2021

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