eon

• Nom désignant une période de temps extrêmement longue et indéfinie, souvent utilisée en géologie pour la plus grande subdivision de l'échelle des temps géologiques, ou dans un contexte général pour décrire une durée incommensurablement longue.

A noun referring to an extremely long, indefinite period of time, often used in geology to denote the largest division of the geological time scale, or in general contexts to describe an immeasurably long duration.

1. Longest geological time unitC1formalscientific

   The most extensive division of geological time, spanning hundreds of millions of years.

   Éon (unité géologique)

   • The Precambrian eon covers the earliest history of Earth.
   • Scientists study rock formations from the Paleozoic eon.
   • The planet has undergone dramatic changes throughout each eon.
   • Fossil records from the Phanerozoic eon reveal diverse life forms.

   Synonymesaeon

2. Immensely long periodB2informal

   A vast, indefinite stretch of time that seems almost endless.

   Période immensément longue

   • I waited for what felt like an eon for the bus to arrive.
   • Stars burn for eons before eventually dying out.
   • The stones have been weathered over countless eons.
   • He hasn't visited this place in eons.

   Synonymesaeonageepocheraeternityforeverlong time

   Antonymesinstantmomentsplit second

3. Divine emanation (Gnosticism)C2formal

   In Gnostic belief, a spiritual being or power that originates from the Supreme God and helps govern the universe.

   Éon (gnosticisme)

   • The Gnostic texts describe various aeons that emanate from the divine source.
   • Each aeon represents a different aspect of the ultimate reality.
   • The myth of Sophia is central to understanding the role of aeons.
   • Valentinian cosmology includes a hierarchy of thirty aeons.

   Synonymesaeonemanation