Definition

1. Noun:
   • A complete cycle of lunar phases: Specifically, the time period from one new moon to the next successive new moon.
   • A synodic month: A unit of time approximately equal to 29.531 days, based on the Moon's orbit relative to the Earth and Sun.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ancient calendar was based on the lunation, not the solar year.
  • One lunation is roughly 29 and a half days long.

Advanced Usage

• In Astronomy: The term is used precisely to denote the synodic month, which is the average period of the Moon's phases. It is a key concept in creating lunisolar calendars.
  • The discrepancy between the solar year and twelve lunations is why intercalary months are added to some calendars.
• In Historical Context: Often used when discussing ancient timekeeping or calendars that were primarily lunar.
  • Many early civilizations measured time in lunations.

Variants and Related Words

• Synodic Month (n): The technical astronomical term for a lunation.
• Lunar Month (n): A common synonym for lunation.
• Lunate (adj): Crescent-shaped, like the moon.

Synonyms

• Lunar month
• Synodic month
• Moon

Antonyms

• Solar month (A division of the solar year, not based on lunar cycles).

Noun

1. the period between successive new moons (29.531 days)