First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
nocturnal
adjective noc·tur·nal \näk-ˈtər-nəl\
: active mainly during the night
: happening at night
Full Definition of NOCTURNAL
1
: of, relating to, or occurring in the night <a nocturnal journey>
2
: active at night <a nocturnal predator>
— noc·tur·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb
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Origin of NOCTURNAL
Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French nocturnel, from Late Latin nocturnalis, from Latin nocturnus of night, nocturnal, from noct-, nox night
Other Ecology Terms
NOCTURNAL Defined for Kids
nocturnal
adjective noc·tur·nal \näk-ˈtər-nəl\
Definition of NOCTURNAL for Kids
1
: happening at night <a nocturnal journey>
2
: active at night <nocturnal insects>
Medical Dictionary
nocturnal
adjective noc·tur·nal \näk-ˈtərn-əl\
Medical Definition of NOCTURNAL
1
: of, relating to, or occurring at night <nocturnal myoclonus>
2
: characterized by nocturnal activity <a nocturnal form of filariasis>
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