noctilucent

American  

[nok-tuh-loo-suhnt] / ˌnɒk təˈlu sənt /

adjective

Meteorology.

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

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noctilucent British  

/ ˌnɒktɪˈluːsənt /

adjective

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

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noctilucent Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• noctilucence noun

Etymology

Origin of noctilucent

First recorded in 1885–90; nocti- + lucent

Example Sentences

The records contain mentions of major aurora events and some of the first recorded observations of noctilucent clouds which are such a feature of clear summer nights in the north of Ireland.

From BBC

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

Before sunrise on Friday, they tweeted photos of the “most vivid displays of noctilucent clouds” claimed to be seen in decades in the area.

From Washington Post

These clouds are called "noctilucent" because they remain illuminated by the sun even after sunset has occurred at the surface.

From BBC

Atmospheric scientists have linked greenhouse gas emissions to a process that contributes to forming noctilucent clouds.

From Washington Post