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lunar

/ˈluː.nə/
IELTSAcademic
adjective

Lunar means relating to the Moon. It is used in science, space, and sometimes in poetic language. It can also describe things shaped by the Moon's cycle.

  • The mission will reach lunar orbit tomorrow.
  • Scientists studied lunar soil.
  • We planned the trip by the lunar calendar.

Adinary Nuance

Lunar is more specific than moon-related or moonlit. Writers choose lunar when they mean the Moon in science, space, or formal writing. For everyday speech, people often say moon or moon-related instead. It also appears in set phrases like lunar calendar and lunar month.

In other languages

Vietnamese
thuộc về mặt trăng
Spanish
lunar
Chinese
月球的
Japanese
月の
Korean
달의

Etymology

Lunar comes from Latin luna, meaning “moon.” It entered English through Old French and has been used since the Middle English period.

Common phrases

lunar orbitlunar calendarlunar surfacelunar month

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is lunar a formal word?
Yes. It is common in science, writing, and education.
What is the difference between lunar and moonlit?
Lunar means related to the Moon. Moonlit means lit by moonlight.
Can I use lunar in everyday conversation?
Yes, but it sounds more formal than moon-related.
What is a lunar calendar?
It is a calendar based on the Moon's cycles.