rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryeonVast span of time
noun

eon

EE-un/ˈiːən/

An extremely long period of time.

The canyon’s layers record eons of change.

A deeply eroded canyon exposes many successive rock layers, with ancient marine fossils embedded far below the living vegetation at its rim: a tangible record of an extremely long passage of time.
Etymology
eonGreekage, lifetime, long span

Greek aiōn ranged from a lifetime or generation to a long stretch of time, with its plural also meaning eternity. The English sense draws on the expansive end of that range.

In context

Old Time Radio Researchers21:18
An instant and an eon later, my eyes left the shadow and slid to the floor.
Proudly We Hail - PWH 510729 147 Deadly Passage [T]

More examples

  • It felt like an eon before the train arrived.
  • The exhibit traces changes across several eons.
  • An eon of geological change separated the two formations.

Forms

eon · eons

Similar words

age
Age is a broad period; eon usually suggests an exceptionally long span.
era
An era is a distinct period; in geology an eon is a larger division containing eras.