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diurnal

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The definition of diurnal is something that happens daily or in the daytime.

(adjective)

An example of something diurnal is a diurnal flower that blooms in the sunlight, but closes at night.

See diurnal in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

occurring each day; daily
of, done, or happening in the daytime
1. Bot. opening in the daytime and closing at night: said of a flower
2. Zool. active in the daytime

Origin: ME < L diurnalis < diurnus, daily < dies, day: see deity

noun

Archaic a daily newspaper
Eccles. a service book containing prayers for the daytime canonical hours and for compline

Related Forms:

diurnally adverb

See diurnal in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Relating to or occurring in a 24-hour period; daily.
Occurring or active during the daytime rather than at night: diurnal animals.
Botany Opening during daylight hours and closing at night.

noun

A book containing all the offices for the daily canonical hours of prayer except matins.
Archaic
a. A diary or journal.
b. A daily newspaper.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Late Latin diurnālis

Origin: , from Latin diurnus

Origin: , from diēs, day; see dyeu- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

di·urˈnal·ly adverb

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