new moon
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The phase of the moon when it is in conjunction with the sun and invisible from earth, or shortly thereafter when it appears as a thin crescent: The "new moon" is the specific point in the lunar cycle when the moon's illuminated side is facing away from Earth. It marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle.
Usage and Examples
- Noun:
- The calendar marks the new moon on the 15th of this month.
- Many cultures celebrate festivals at the time of the new moon.
- Astronomers observed the sky to pinpoint the exact moment of the new moon.
Advanced Usage
- "Dark of the moon": A period around the new moon when the moon is not visible.
- They planned the night operation during the dark of the moon for maximum concealment.
Variants and Related Words
New-moon (adjective, often hyphenated): Pertaining to or occurring at the new moon.
- The new-moon night was exceptionally dark.
Lunation: A complete lunar cycle from one new moon to the next.
- Crescent: The shape of the moon shortly after the new moon phase.
Synonyms
- Dark moon: (Often used interchangeably, though sometimes refers specifically to the period when the moon is completely invisible).
- Lunar conjunction: (The astronomical term for the moment the sun and moon share the same ecliptic longitude).
Related Phrases
- New moon phase: The period of time characterized by the new moon.
- The project's first stage coincides with the new moon phase.
Idioms and Cultural References
- "Once in a blue moon": An idiom meaning a very rare event. A "blue moon" is traditionally defined as an extra full moon in a season, but its connection to the lunar cycle makes it a related concept.
- "To moon over someone": To pine or long for someone dreamily. While not directly about the lunar phase, it uses the celestial body as a metaphor.
Noun
- the time at which the Moon appears as a narrow waxing crescent