nocturnal etymology

Etymology

The word "nocturnal" comes from the Latin word "nocturnus," which means "pertaining to the night." This word is derived from "nox," meaning "night."

Meaning

The word "nocturnal" refers to something that occurs or is active at night. It can be used to describe:

• Animals that are primarily active at night, such as owls or bats
• Plants that flower or produce scent only at night
• Humans who prefer to be active at night, such as insomniacs or night shift workers
• Activities that typically take place at night, such as stargazing or night clubs

Origin

The word "nocturnal" first appeared in English in the early 17th century. It was originally used to describe animals that were active at night, but it has since been extended to refer to other things as well.

nocturnal relate terms

• night

  Etymology The word night comes from the Middle English word niht which in turn comes

• fight

  Etymology From Middle English fighten fighte from Old English feohtan to fight f

• nocturn

  Etymology From Latin nocturnus of the night Ultimately derived from nox genitive noc

• nocturnal

  Etymology The word nocturnal comes from the Latin word nocturnus which means pertai

• nocturne

  Etymology The word nocturne derives from Latin nocturnus meaning nightly Fren

• nocturnal

  Etymology The word nocturnal comes from the Latin word nocturnus which means pertai

• diurnal

  Etymology Derived from Latin diurnalis meaning daily or of the day Ultimately de

• moth

  Etymology Middle English mothe from Old English mohþe related to Old Norse motti

• badger

  Etymology The word badger comes from the Middle English word bajer 13th century w

• lemur

  Etymology The word lemur derives from the Latin word lemures which refers to the sp

• marten

  Etymology The word marten is derived from the Old French word martrine which in tur

• folk

  Meaning of Folk Etymology Folk etymology also known as popular etymology or dubious e

• scale

  Etymology of Scale Proto Indo European skel meaning to cut divide Proto Germani

• moor

  Etymology The word moor originates from the Old English word mōr which meant heat