noctilucent

[ nok-tuh-loo-suhnt ]

adjective

, Meteorology.

1. (of high-altitude clouds) visible during the short night of the summer.

noctilucent

/ ˌnɒktɪˈluːsənt /

adjective

1. shining at night, usu. of very thin high altitude clouds observable in the summer twilight sky

noctilucent

/ nŏk′tə-lo̅o̅′sənt /

1. Luminous at night. The term is used especially to describe certain high atmospheric cloud formations visible during summer nights at high latitudes.

Derived Forms

• ˌnoctiˈlucence, noun

Other Words From

• nocti·lucence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of noctilucent¹

First recorded in 1885–90; nocti- + lucent

Example Sentences

Strahan also said the excess water vapor could enhance the formation of special noctilucent clouds, which appear as shimmering, ghostlike wisps in the night sky.

From Washington Post

At these altitudes, then, water vapor itself can readily cool the air enough to create noctilucent clouds.

From Science News