Occultation: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mostly in astronomy to describe the event when one celestial body is hidden by another. It's a technical term and is not commonly used in everyday language.

• The occultation of Mars by the Moon was observed by astronomers worldwide.

Commonly used in astronomy to describe when one celestial body moves into the shadow of another. In a broader sense, it can be used metaphorically to describe being obscured or overshadowed by something or someone.

• During the solar eclipse, the day turned into night for a few minutes.
• Her talent was eclipsed by her brother's success in the same field.

Refers to the act of making something unclear or difficult to understand. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical senses, though it is less common in everyday language.

• The obscuration of the plot left the audience confused.
• Fog resulted in the obscuration of the mountain from view.

Used when something is hidden or kept secret. It can be applied to both physical objects and information. Often applicable in contexts related to secrecy or protection.

• The criminal’s aim was the concealment of the evidence.
• The document was found despite its deliberate concealment.

When referring to an astronomical event where one celestial body passes in front of another, hiding it from view.

• The occultation of Mars by the Moon was visible from certain parts of the world.
• Astronomers prepared their telescopes to observe the occultation of a distant star by an asteroid.

In a hypothetical or imaginative context, describing a scenario where elements in the cosmos are hidden, often with a sense of mystery.

• The cosmic concealment of the planets sparked the imagination of the young scientist.
• Legends spoke of a cosmic concealment that protected secrets of the universe.

Used to describe a more generalized or poetic situation where a heavenly body is obscured, often in a literary or artistic context.

• The celestial cover created a breathtaking spectacle in the night sky.
• The myth spoke of a time when a celestial cover would foretell great change.