n. A tale or count of years from a fixed epoch; a period during which, in some part or parts of the world, years are numbered and dates are reckoned from a particular point of time in the past, generally determined by some historical event. See phrases below.n. A series of years having some distinctive historical character: as, the era of good feeling (see below).n. Loosely, an epoch from which time is reckoned, or a point of time noted for some event or occurrence; an epoch in general: as, the era of Christ's appearance.n. A Cæsarean era beginning 48 b. c., Oct. 1st.n. An era coinciding with the reformed era of Alexandria.n. In geology, a division of geologic time which, according to the recommendation of the International Congress of Geologists, is to be regarded as of highest rank, corresponding to the stratigraphic term group. See group, 3 .