Noc-, noct-

Meaning: night, darkness

Root word: Latin nox (noctis)

Similar roots: noc- meaning “harm, hurt”

Opposite roots: diem meaning “day”, lux meaing “light, day”

Derived English Words

Commonly encountered words are in bold.

Equinox: The time or date (twice a year) at which the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in equal lengths of day and night.

Equinoctial: Pertaining to the equinox or the period around it, often used to describe phenomena that occur at that time.

Noctambulous: Another term for sleepwalking; it describes the state of walking or performing other activities while asleep.

Noctambula: Often used synonymously with noctambulism, it refers to the act of sleepwalking.

Noctambulism: The condition of sleepwalking; it refers to the act of walking or performing other activities while in a state of sleep.

Noctiluca: A genus of marine dinoflagellates known for their bioluminescence; they can cause glowing in the ocean at night.

Noctilucent: Referring to clouds that are visible at night and appear to glow, often seen during twilight or at high altitudes.

Noctiluminous: Glowing or emitting light at night, particularly used to describe certain phenomena or organisms.

Nocturnal: Relating to or active during the night; used to describe animals that are primarily active after dark.

Nocturnality: The quality or state of being nocturnal; the behavior pattern of being active during the night.

Seminocturnal: Referring to organisms that are partially active at night and during the day.

Nocturn: A musical composition for night; often refers to a specific type of piece that evokes nighttime themes.

Notturno: An Italian term for nocturne, typically used in music to denote a composition evocative of the night.

Noctule: A genus of bats known for being active at night, often characterized by their large size and distinctive echolocation calls.

Nocturia: A condition in which a person has to urinate frequently during the night.

Trinoctial: Pertaining to three nights; can refer to events or periods that span three nights.

Links

List of Greek and Latin roots in English – Wikipedia

Words Derived from Roots

Other Roots Used in These Words

  • equi-
  • ambul-
  • luc-
  • semi-
  • ur-
  • tri-

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