1. of or relating to the fourth period of the Paleozoic Era, lasting from approximately 419 to 359 million years ago, characterized by the emergence of fish and early amphibians
Usage: geological term; capitalized

1. the Devonian period or the rocks and fossils formed during this time
Usage: geological term; capitalized

Examples

• The Devonian period saw the rapid diversification of fish species in ancient oceans.
• Devonian rocks in this region contain abundant fossils of early amphibians.
• During the Devonian, the first forests began to appear on land.
• Paleontologists study Devonian deposits to understand the evolution of vertebrates.
• The Devonian is often called the Age of Fishes because fish were the dominant animals.
• Devonian sediments reveal evidence of the first tetrapods.