Definition: Abbreviation for 'Before Common Era', a non-religious alternative to the use of B.C. in designating the first period of the Gregorian Calendar, the era of prehistory and much of antiquity.
B.C.E is the partner of C.E. - a replacement for A.D.: Anno Domini, The Year Of Our Lord – and itself replaces B.C., Before Christ. Unfortunately, the repetition of c and e means B.C.E can often be confused with C.E., especially by someone scanning quickly.
Also Known As: Before Christian Era
Alternate Spellings: BCE
Examples: The man was born in 156 B.C.E.
