tertiaire

Tertiaire is a term used in various contexts, including geology, geography, and terminology. In geology, Tertiaire refers to the third subdivision of the Cenozoic Era, spanning from approximately 66 million to 2.6 million years ago. During this period, the continents continued to drift apart, and the climate underwent significant changes. The Tertiaire was characterized by the emergence of modern mammals, including hominins, and the formation of various mountain ranges.

In geography, Tertiaire is often used to describe the third level of a geographic hierarchy, following the primary and secondary levels. This level typically refers to the smaller divisions of a region, such as a parish or a ward. In this context, Tertiaire is often associated with local governance and administrative boundaries.

In terminology, Tertiaire can also refer to the third level or stage of a series or system. For example, in computer science, Tertiaire might describe the third level of a hierarchical network or database structure. In language, it can refer to the third tier of a linguistic classification system.

The term Tertiaire is derived from the Latin word "tertius," meaning "third." It is widely used in various contexts to describe the third level or subdivision of a series, system, or hierarchy. Despite its widespread usage, the term Tertiaire is not as well-known as other geological or geographical terms, and its specific meaning can vary depending on the context in which it is used.