Holocene

[hol-uh-seen, hoh-luh-] /ˈhɒl əˌsin, ˈhoʊ lə-/
adjective
1.
recent (def 4).
noun
2.
recent (def 5).
Origin
1895-1900; holo- + -cene
British Dictionary definitions for Holocene

Holocene

/ˈhɒləˌsiːn/
adjective
1.
of, denoting, or formed in the second and most recent epoch of the Quaternary period, which began 10 000 years ago at the end of the Pleistocene
noun
2.
the Holocene, the Holocene epoch or rock series
Also called Recent
Word Origin and History for Holocene
adj.

in reference to the epoch that began 10,000 years ago and continues today, 1897, from French holocène (1867), from Greek holo-, comb. form of holos "whole" (see safe (adj.)) + -cene.

Holocene in Science
Holocene
  (hŏl'ə-sēn', hō'lə-sēn')   
The more recent of the two epochs of the Quaternary Period, beginning at the end of the last major Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago. It is characterized by the development of human civilizations. Also called Recent. See Chart at geologic time.