Category:Nocturnal

Noc*tur"nal, a. Etym: [l. nocturnalis, nocturnus, fr. nox, noctis, Night. See night, and cf. Nocturn.]

1. Of, pertaining to, done or occuring in, the night; as, nocturnal Darkness, cries, expedition, etc.; -- opposed to ant: diurnal. Dryden.

2. Having a habit of seeking food or moving about at night; as, Nocturnal birds and insects.

Nocturnal Noc*tur"nal, n.

Defn: an instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the Stars, etc., at sea. I. Watts.