1. The Early Carboniferous epoch which is preceded by the Late Devonian and followed by the Pennsylvanian, and comprises the Tournaisian, Visean, and Serpukhovian epochs. It is dated at 359.2–318.1 Ma ago (Int. Commission on Stratigraphy, 2004).
2. The name of the corresponding N. American sub-system which comprises the Kinderhookian, Osagean, Meramecian, and Chesterian series. It is roughly contemporaneous with the Dinantian plus the Namurian A of western Europe.