Noc*tur"nal , n. An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the stars, etc., at sea. I. Watts.
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.
Hear it pronounced