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
Other Roots Used in These Words
- equi-
- ambul-
- luc-
- semi-
- ur-
- tri-
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