Occultation - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Occultation is the event when one celestial body is hidden by another passing in front of it, such as the Moon blocking a star. It is commonly used in astronomy.
Definition:
The hiding of one celestial body by another, or the state of being hidden.
Synonyms:
concealment, obscuration, eclipse, covering
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
revelation, exposure
Common Collocations:
lunar occultation, stellar occultation, planetary occultation
Derivatives:
occult, occulted
Usage Tips:
Use "occultation" in astronomy to describe when one object blocks another from view.
Common Phrases:
"occultation event, " "occultation observation, " "occultation phenomenon"
Etymology:
From Latin *occultatio*, meaning "a hiding," derived from *occultere* ("to hide").
Examples:
- 1. The moon's occultation of Jupiter was visible last night.
- 2. Scientists study stellar occultations to learn about distant stars.
- 3. The occultation lasted only a few seconds but was spectacular.
- 4. During the occultation, the star disappeared behind the planet.