crepuscular
UK: /krɪˈpʌskjʊlə/ | US: /krɪˈpʌskjələr/
adj. relating to or resembling twilight (dim light at dawn or dusk)
adj. (zoology) active during twilight hours
crepuscul<twilight> + ar<adjective suffix>
- crepuscul: From Latin crepusculum (twilight), derived from creper (dim, dusky).
- ar: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating relation (e.g., muscular, spectacular).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin crepusculum, evoking the hazy, ambiguous light of dawn or dusk. The root creper (uncertain, dim) reflects the word’s association with transitional, low-visibility periods. Over time, crepuscular expanded from describing light to characterizing animals (e.g., deer, bats) active in twilight—a vivid semantic shift tied to natural observation.
The crepuscular glow of the setting sun painted the sky in soft hues.
Crepuscular animals like fireflies emerge at dusk to avoid predators.
The forest took on a crepuscular stillness as daylight faded.
Photographers cherish the crepuscular "golden hour" for its flattering light.
Her paintings often capture the crepuscular mood of rural landscapes.