inferior conjunction
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of inferior conjunction
First recorded in 1825–35
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This bright and effervescent neighbor — at -4.2 magnitude, according to the United States Naval Observatory — reaches inferior conjunction on Jan. 8, which means that Venus moves between the sun and Earth.
From Washington Post • Jan. 1, 2022
The crescent phase can be seen with a powerful glass near inferior conjunction, and, even when the form of the planet can not be discerned, its exceeding brilliancy makes it an attractive object.
From Astronomy with an Opera-glass A Popular Introduction to the Study of the Starry Heavens with the Simplest of Optical Instruments by Serviss, Garrett Putman
At superior conjunction it ought, being then farthest away, to show the smallest disc; while at inferior conjunction, being the nearest, it should look much larger.
From Astronomy of To-day A Popular Introduction in Non-Technical Language by Dolmage, Cecil Goodrich Julius
Planets nearer the sun than the earth are in inferior conjunction when they are between the earth and the sun; superior conjunction when they are beyond the sun.
From Recreations in Astronomy With Directions for Practical Experiments and Telescopic Work by Warren, Henry White
The planet attains its greatest brilliancy at an elongation 40� west or east of the Sun—five weeks before and after inferior conjunction.
From The Astronomy of Milton's 'Paradise Lost' by Orchard, Thomas Nathaniel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
