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

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

Other Word Forms

• noctilucence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of noctilucent¹

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

“Folks in the northern U.S. and Canada should absolutely be on the lookout for noctilucent clouds over the long weekend,” Cora Randall, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, said in an email.

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