Pontian
/ˈpɒntɪən/Geology
adjective
Of, relating to, or designating the uppermost stage of the Miocene series in Europe (sometimes regarded as the lowest of the Pliocene series).
noun
The Pontian stage; the rocks collectively dating from this time.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Philip Lake (1865–1949). From Pont- + -ian, after Russian pontičeskij.