Era /(?)/

pl. Eras

1. A fixed point of time, usually an epoch, from which a series of years is reckoned.

   The foundation of Solomon's temple is conjectured by Ideler to have been an era.

2. A period of time reckoned from some particular date or epoch; a succession of years dating from some important event; as, the era of Alexander; the era of Christ, or the Christian era (see under Christian).

   The first century of our era.

3. A period of time in which a new order of things prevails; a signal stage of history; an epoch.

   Painting may truly be said to have opened the new era of culture.