ENGLISH
REFERENCE

almanac

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɑɫməˌnæk// UK //ˈɒlmɐnˌæk// al·manac

n. a book published every year that gives facts and information about many different subjects. It often includes weather forecasts, dates for planting crops, and data about the stars and planets.

n. an annual publication containing a calendar of events for the coming year, along with astronomical data and miscellaneous information. Often includes statistical tables and weather predictions for specific dates.


SIMPLE

I checked the almanac to see when the sun would rise.

CONTEXTUAL

Farmers traditionally consulted a yearly almanac to determine the best dates for planting and harvesting based on lunar cycles.

COMPLEX

The nautical almanac remains an essential backup for maritime navigation, providing the precise celestial coordinates required to determine a ship's position should electronic systems fail.

Origin

From Middle English almenak, from Old French almanach, from Medieval Latin almanachus, from Andalusian Arabic الْمَنَاخ (al-manāḵ, “almanac, calendar”), from Arabic الْمُنَاخ (al-munāḵ, “climate”).

Usage

Often used with 'the' when referring to a specific annual edition.

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