Danian
1. The earlier of two ages in the Palaeocene Epoch, preceded by the Maastrichtian (Late Cretaceous), followed by the Thanetian, and dated at 65–60.5 Ma (Harland et al., 1989).

2. The name of the corresponding European stage which, in Denmark, is characterized by chalky limestone rich in reef-dwelling organisms. It is roughly contemporaneous with the Montian (Belgium), Danian (see (3) below) and lower Ynezian (N. America), lower Teurian (New Zealand), and Wangerripian (Australia). In the past, because of its chalk facies, some authors considered the Danian to be Upper Cretaceous, and succeeded in the Lower Tertiary by the Montian.

3. The basal stage in the Lower Tertiary of the west coast of N. America, overlain by the Ynezian and roughly contemporaneous with just the lower part of the Danian Stage in Europe.

Danian The oldest of the Cenozoic stages, dated at about 65–60.2 Ma ago, which in Denmark is characterized by chalky limestone rich in reef-dwelling organisms. It is a problematic stage once referred to the Cretaceous but now placed at the base of the Palaeocene.

Danian The oldest of the Cenozoic stages, about 65–60.2 Ma ago, which in Denmark is characterized by chalky limestone rich in reef-dwelling organisms. It is a problematic stage once referred to the Cretaceous but now placed at the base of the Palaeocene.