Dictionary definitions
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nocturnal
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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. [1913 Webster] 2. Having a habit of seeking food or moving about at night; as, nocturnal birds and insects; raccoons are nocturnal.; -- of animals. [1913 Webster +PJC] .
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Nocturnal \Noc*tur"nal\, n. An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the stars, etc., at sea. --I. Watts. [1913 Webster]

