quarter moon
English
editPronunciation
editAudio (Southern England): (file)
Noun
editquarter moon (plural quarter moons)
- (astronomy) Either of the intermediate stages between the new and full moons.
- Synonyms: half-moon, quarternary moon
Usage notes
editIn spite of the name, half of the Moon's visible portion is lit up during a quarter moon, hence, it is also called a half-moon. It is called quarter moon because it is at 1/4th or 3/4th of the way of the cycle from one new moon to the next new moon (which is called a “lunar month” or “moon” for short, hence the “quarter moon” designation.)