# lunar

/ˈɫunɝ/ (US) · /lˈuːnɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lunar
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. relating to the moon

adjective · CEFR B2

related to the moon or its appearance.

For teachers: pertaining to the Earth's moon, its physical characteristics, or its orbital cycles.

- The lunar surface is covered in craters and grey dust.
- The lunar cycle significantly influences tidal patterns across the globe, a phenomenon that has been studied by navigators for centuries.

### 2. moon travel/exploration

adjective · CEFR B2

related to travelling to the moon or studying it.

For teachers: pertaining to space travel between Earth and the moon, or the scientific exploration of the moon.

- The astronauts collected many lunar rocks to bring back to Earth.
- The success of the lunar landing in 1969 marked a pivotal moment in human history and technological achievement.

### 3. crescent-shaped

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

shaped like a crescent moon.

For teachers: having a shape that resembles a crescent moon; lunate.

- The artist decorated the bowl with small lunar patterns.
- The architect incorporated several lunar curves into the building's facade to soften its otherwise sharp, modern edges.

### 4. wrist bone

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a small bone in your wrist that is shaped like a half-moon.

For teachers: the middle bone of the proximal series of the carpus in the human wrist.

- The doctor checked the lunar bone for any signs of a fracture.
- A fracture of the lunar bone often requires specialised imaging to ensure the joint remains stable during the healing process.

### 5. navigation measurement

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

a measurement of the distance between the moon and a star used to find a ship's position.

For teachers: an observation of the angular distance between the moon and another celestial body, used to determine longitude at sea.

- The sailor took a lunar to check the ship's position.
- Before the invention of the marine chronometer, taking a lunar was the primary method for determining longitude during long ocean voyages.

Usage: Usually used in the context of historical maritime navigation.

## Examples

- The astronauts collected several lunar rocks.
- The lunar cycle affects the tides of the ocean every single day.
- High-resolution telescopes allow astronomers to map the lunar surface in incredible detail, revealing craters and plains that have remained unchanged for millions of years.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.