An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A period of → geologic time which began at the end of the → Jurassic period approximately 145 million years ago and extended to approximately 65 million years ago.

Etymology (EN): From L. cretaceus, from cret(a) “chalk, clay,” + → -aceous, because the geological remains of this period contain heightened chalk deposits.

Etymology (PE): Gacâsâ, from gac “chalk,” Mid.Pers. gac

• -âsâ, → -aceous.