lunar
/ˈlunɚ/
Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.77 in modern English
Meaning
adj
Of, pertaining to, or resembling the Moon (that is, Luna, the Earth's moon).
adj
Shaped like a crescent moon; lunate.
adj
(Believed to be) influenced by the Moon, as in character, growth, or properties.
adj
Of or pertaining to silver (which was symbolically associated with the Moon by alchemists).
Obsolete
adj
Of or pertaining to travel through space between the Earth and the Moon, or exploration and scientific investigation of the Moon.
noun
The middle bone of the proximal series of the carpus in the wrist, which is shaped like a half-moon.
noun
An observation of a lunar distance (“the angle between the Moon and another celestial body”), especially for establishing the longitude of a ship at sea.
Example Sentences
- "lunar observations a lunar eclipse"
- "By two lunar obſervations the long[itude] was 9° 57′ 30″ E. agreeing within 37′ by the watch, though the day before the long. by moon and watch differed 2° 35′."
- "Lunar eclipſes are not quite ſo complicated in theory, nor near ſo tedious and difficult in calculation, as ſolar ones. The latter are only apparent, the former really ſuch; that is, the Moon is really deprived of its light, and therefore muſt appear obſcured to all the inhabitants of the earth equally, by whom ſhe can be ſeen; whereas the Sun, not being deficient in light, will ever appear reſplendent to thoſe who do not happen to live on that part of the earth where the lunar ſhadows pass."
- "You know nothing about fixing the lunar rays into a ſolid ſubſtance, but you muſt not therefore ſay that this is impoſſible. It can be done, and I can do it. Theſe rays, reduced to a ſubtle powder, and blown on the ſurface of the infant brain, ſtimulate it in future life, by their quality of pricking."
- "The transformation of primitive lunar deities into solar or heavenly gods are often associated with the transfer of magical and priestly functions to the men and the development of male priesthoods. [...] Or again, in Peru, the official cult of the lunar deity at Cuzco was served by colleges of priestesses, while the service of the Sun-god was performed by male priests."
- "Ahead the flanks of the Pennines gleamed faintly in the moonlight, looking as though they themselves were part of some dry and deserted lunar landscape."
Etymology
Origin
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈlunɚ/
- British English: /ˈluːnə/
Usage
Subject
Wiktionary places this term in Medicine.