carboniferous Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun from 345 million to 280 million years ago
    Carboniferous period.
  2. adjective of or relating to the Carboniferous geologic era
    • carboniferous rock system
  3. adjective relating to or consisting of or yielding carbon
    carbonous; carbonic; carbonaceous.

WordNet

Car`bon*if"er*ous adjective
Etymology
Carbon + -ferous.
Definitions
  1. Producing or containing carbon or coal.

Webster 1913