Nocturnal \Noc*tur"nal\, n.
An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the
stars, etc., at sea. --I. Watts.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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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.
2. Having a habit of seeking food or moving about at night;
as, nocturnal birds and insects.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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