Hypertext Webster Gateway: "nocturnal"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Nocturnal \Noc*tur"nal\, n.
An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the
stars, etc., at sea. --I. Watts.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Nocturnal \Noc*tur"nal\, a. [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
{diurnal}. --Dryden.
2. Having a habit of seeking food or moving about at night;
as, nocturnal birds and insects.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
nocturnal
adj 1: (biology) belonging to or active during the night;
"nocturnal animals are active at night"; "nocturnal
plants have flowers that open at night and close by
day" [ant: {diurnal}]
2: of or relating to or occurring in the night; "nocturnal
darkness"
3: of or during or relating to the night; "a nocturnal
journey"; "nocturnal stillness"; "nocturnal predators"
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