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Nocturnal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nocturnal

[nษ’kหˆtษœหrnl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

animal behavior

Of, relating to, or occurring in the night; active at night.

Synonyms

nighttime, noctivagant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nocturnal

This term is typically used in the context of animals or behaviors that happen at night. It is a scientific or general term to describe activities or habits occurring during the night.

  • Owls are nocturnal animals that hunt for prey at night.
  • His nocturnal habits include staying up late playing video games.
nighttime

This word is more general and informal, and it can be used to describe any activities or events happening during the night. It is often used in everyday conversation.

  • I prefer nighttime walks to enjoy the cool air.
  • They scheduled the meeting for nighttime to accommodate everyone's busy day schedules.
noctivagant

This is a very rare and poetic term, used to describe a person or animal who wanders or roams at night. It is not commonly used in everyday language and might appear in literary or poetic contexts.

  • The poet described the noctivagant soul as one that finds peace in the quiet of the night.
  • His noctivagant tendencies led him to explore the city's streets under the moonlight.

Examples of usage

  • Owls are known for their nocturnal behavior, hunting for prey under the cover of darkness.
  • Many nocturnal animals have developed special adaptations such as enhanced night vision.
Context #2 | Adjective

plants

Opening or expanding at night, as certain flowers.

Synonyms

night-blooming, night-opening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nocturnal

Same as the first 'nocturnal', meaning active or occurring at night, can be used to describe both animals and activities.

  • The bat is a nocturnal mammal.
  • He found the cityโ€™s nocturnal scene fascinating.
night-blooming

Describes flowers or plants that open or bloom during the night. This term is typically used in botany or gardening contexts.

  • The night-blooming jasmine fills the night air with its sweet fragrance.
  • She planted night-blooming flowers to attract nocturnal insects.
night-opening

Used to describe flowers or plants that open specifically in the evening or at night. It can also refer to events or establishments that start their activities in the evening.

  • The night-opening flowers emit a unique scent after sunset.
  • The night-opening market offers a variety of street food and entertainment.

Examples of usage

  • The nocturnal blooming of the night-blooming cereus is a beautiful sight.
  • Some nocturnal plants rely on moths for pollination during the night.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Creatures such as owls and bats are examples of animals that are primarily nocturnal.
  • Nocturnal animals often have adaptations like enhanced night vision and sensitive hearing to help them thrive in darkness.
  • Some species, like the opossum, have a flexible lifestyle and can be either nocturnal or diurnal (active during the day) depending on their environment.

Cultural References

  • Many cultures associate nighttime with mystery and the supernatural, often featuring nocturnal animals in folklore and legends.
  • Nocturnal themes frequently appear in literature and movies, representing the unknown or hidden aspects of human nature.
  • The concept of nocturnes has also been explored in art and music, where night is often portrayed as an inspiration for creativity.

Scientific Facts

  • Research shows that humans have an internal body clock or circadian rhythm, which influences whether we are more active at night or during the day.
  • In ecosystems, nocturnal species play vital roles, such as pollinating plants or controlling pest populations when other predators are less active.
  • Some animals, like the African lion, are considered crepuscular, being most active during twilight hours rather than just at night.

Psychological Aspects

  • Studies suggest that people's sleep-wake cycles can affect their mood, with some feeling more energized and alert at night.
  • Night owls, or individuals who prefer to stay up late, have been found to have different cognitive patterns than morning-oriented people.
  • Research explores how artificial light exposure at night can disrupt natural nocturnal patterns in both humans and wildlife.

Origin of 'nocturnal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'nocturnalis,' which means 'of the night.'
  • The root 'nox' in Latin translates to 'night,' highlighting its focus on nighttime activities.
  • Etymologically, 'nocturnal' is related to other terms like 'nocturne', a term for a musical composition inspired by the night.

The word 'nocturnal' originated from the Latin word 'nocturnalis', which is derived from 'nox' meaning 'night'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century to describe things related to or occurring in the night.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,568, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.