Alvarez theory

proper noun

The hypothesis that the mass extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs and many other living things during the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event was caused by the impact of a large asteroid on the Earth.

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Meanings

proper nounthe Alvarez theory
  1. The hypothesis that the mass extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs and many other living things during the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event was caused by the impact of a large asteroid on the Earth.

Origin

Named after Luis and Walter Alvarez, who suggested it in 1980.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Alvarez theory. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Alvarez%20theory

MLA

“Alvarez theory.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Alvarez%20theory. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Alvarez theory,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Alvarez%20theory.

Source: Alvarez theory on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.