quarter moon
English
editPronunciation
editAudio (Southern England): (file)
Noun
editquarter moon (plural quarter moons)
- (astronomy) Either of the intermediate stages between the new and full moons.
- Synonyms: half-moon, (rare) quaternary moon
Usage notes
edit- In spite of the name, half of the Moon's visible portion is illuminated during a quarter moon; hence, it is also called a half-moon. It is called a quarter moon because it is at 1/4th or 3/4th of the way of the cycle from one new moon to the next new moon (which is called a “lunar month” or “moon” for short, hence the “quarter moon” designation.)
Translations
editeither of the intermediate stages between the new and full moons — see half-moon