Nocturnal \Noc*tur"nal\, a. [L. nocturnalis, nocturnus, fr. nox,
noctis, night. See Night, and cf. Nocturn.]
1. Of, pertaining to, done or occuring in, the night; as,
nocturnal darkness, cries, expedition, etc.; -- opposed to
diurnal. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
2. Having a habit of seeking food or moving about at night;
as, nocturnal birds and insects; raccoons are nocturnal.;
-- of animals.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Nocturnal \Noc*tur"nal\, n.
An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the
stars, etc., at sea. --I. Watts.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
nocturnal
adj 1: belonging to or active during the night; "nocturnal animals
are active at night"; "nocturnal plants have flowers
that open at night and close by day" [ant: diurnal]
2: of or relating to or occurring in the night; "nocturnal
darkness"
3: of or during or relating to the night; "a nocturnal
journey"; "nocturnal stillness"; "nocturnal predators"
WordNet (r) 2.0
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