gibbous

adjective

gib·bous | \ ˈji-bəs

, ˈgi-

Definition of gibbous

1a : marked by convexity or swelling

b of the moon or a planet : seen with more than half but not all of the apparent disk illuminated

2 : having a hump : humpbacked

Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about gibbous

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Did You Know?

The adjective "gibbous" has its origins in the Latin noun gibbus, meaning "hump," and in the Late Latin adjective gibbosus, meaning "humpbacked," which Middle English adopted in the 14th century as "gibbous." "Gibbous" has been used to describe the rounded body parts of humans and animals (such as the back of a hunchback or camel) or to describe the shape of certain flowers (such as snapdragons). The term is most often identified, however, with the study of astronomy. In fact, if you run across the word gibbous, chances are you'll find the word moon somewhere nearby. A gibbous moon is one that is more than a half-moon but less than full.

Examples of gibbous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both of the planet's schedules are also lining up with our moon's—a nearly full waxing gibbous moon will swing by both planets from August 9–11. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "Jupiter, Saturn, and the Moon Are All Aligning Side by Side This Weekend—What Does It Mean?!," 7 Aug. 2019 August 9 Look for the waxing gibbous moon to form an eye-catching conjunction with brilliant Jupiter on August 9. — Andrew Fazekas, National Geographic, "Perseids peak, and more top stargazing events in August," 1 Aug. 2019 July 13 Late on the 13th, look for the waxing gibbous moon to be perched next to brilliant star-like Jupiter. — Andrew Fazekas, National Geographic, "Saturn at its best, and more top stargazing events in July," 1 July 2019 June 15 Shortly after local sunset on the 15th, look toward the southeast for the waxing gibbous moon to form an eye-catching triangular formation with brilliant Jupiter and Antares, the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius. — Andrew Fazekas, National Geographic, "Solstice arrives, and more top stargazing events in June," 31 May 2019 The waxing gibbous moon dances with the large, gaseous Jupiter on the evening of June 23 in the southeast. — Blaine Friedlander, Washington Post, "Space nerds, mark your calendar — Astronomy night on the Mall is Saturday," 20 June 2018 About one-quarter up from the horizon to the point overhead will be a waxing gibbous moon, illuminated 93 percent by the sun. — Joe Rao, Space.com, "The Moon Has a Close Encounter with Saturn on Tuesday Night," 23 July 2018 The waxing gibbous moon approaches Mars on July 26 but appears to loiter near the planet the next day. — Blaine P. Friedlander Jr., Washington Post, "Skywatch: July is the month of Mars," 30 June 2018 This Thursday, the moon will be in the final moments of its first quarter phase before transitioning to a waxing gibbous on Friday. — refinery29.com, "Don't Sleep On The Summer Solstice Moon," 19 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gibbous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for gibbous

gibbous

adjective

gib·bous | \ ˈjib-əs

, ˈgib-

Medical Definition of gibbous

1 : marked by swelling or convexity especially on one side : protuberant

2 : having a hump : humpbacked

gibbous

Definition of gibbous

Did You Know?

Examples of gibbous in a Sentence

First Known Use of gibbous

History and Etymology for gibbous

Medical Definition of gibbous

gibbous

Definition of gibbous

Did You Know?

Examples of gibbous in a Sentence

First Known Use of gibbous

History and Etymology for gibbous

Medical Definition of gibbous

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