GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Nocturnal , a. [L. nocturnalis, nocturnus, fr. nox, noctis, night. See Night, and cf. Nocturn.]
   Of, pertaining to, done or occuring in, the night; as, nocturnal darkness, cries, expedition, etc.; -- opposed to diurnal.
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster
   Having a habit of seeking food or moving about at night; as, nocturnal birds and insects; raccoons are nocturnal.; -- of animals.
   1913 Webster
   +PJC
         
       

2.       
   Nocturnal, n. An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the stars, etc., at sea.
   I. Watts.
   
   1913 Webster