twilight

Twilight is the soft light just after sunset or just before sunrise.

(noun)

An example of twilight is when trees are black against the sky, after the sun has gone down.

See twilight in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. the subdued light just after sunset or, in less common usage, just before sunrise
2. the period from sunset to dark
any growing darkness
a condition or period of gradual decline following full development, achievement, glory, etc.

Origin: ME < twi-, two, twice (but meaning here uncert.) + light; akin to Ger zwielicht

adjective

of or like twilight; dim, obscure, etc.

See twilight in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. The diffused light from the sky during the early evening or early morning when the sun is below the horizon and its light is refracted by the earth's atmosphere.
b. The time of the day when the sun is just below the horizon, especially the period between sunset and dark.
Dim or diffused illumination.
A period or condition of decline following growth, glory, or success: in the twilight of his life.
A state of ambiguity or obscurity.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English twilighte

Origin: : Old English twi-, two, half; see dwo- in Indo-European roots

Origin: + Old English līht, light; see light¹

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