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lunareclipse
/ˈluːnər ɪˈklɪps/
astronomical event when Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon
The lunar eclipse last night was visible from most of North America.
People could see the Moon darken as Earth's shadow covered it.
technical
An astronomical event where the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.
During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon can appear reddish due to Earth's atmosphere scattering sunlight.
The Moon turns a deep red color because sunlight bends through Earth's atmosphere.
Lunar eclipses only occur during a full moon when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned.
Collocations
total lunar eclipsewhen the Moon is completely covered by Earth's shadowpartial lunar eclipsewhen only part of the Moon is covered by Earth's shadowpenumbral lunar eclipsewhen the Moon passes through Earth's outer shadow
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Types of Lunar Eclipses
There are three types: total, partial, and penumbral, depending on how much of the Moon is covered.
Gold Rule
Timing
Lunar eclipses only happen during a full moon when the alignment is precise.
Word Origin
From Latin 'lunaris' (moon) + 'eclipsis' (disappearance).
Usage Notes
The term is used in astronomy to describe the event, not in everyday language.
Word Breakdown
lunar
related to the Moon
rooteclipse
a temporary disappearance of a celestial body
rootEnglish Dictionary