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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Nocturnal \Noc*tur"nal\, a. [L. nocturnalis, nocturnus, fr. nox,
noctis, night. See {Night}, and cf. {Nocturn}.]
1. Of, pertaining to, done or occuring in, the night; as,
nocturnal darkness, cries, expedition, etc.; -- opposed to
{diurnal}. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]

2. Having a habit of seeking food or moving about at night;
as, nocturnal birds and insects; raccoons are nocturnal.;
-- of animals.
[1913 Webster PJC]


Nocturnal \Noc*tur"nal\, n.
An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the
stars, etc., at sea. --I. Watts.
[1913 Webster]