blue moon
The term "blue moon" has origins in both astronomy and idiomatic expressions, referring to rare events.
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Definition
B2Astronomy
(technical)The second full moon that occurs in a single calendar month.
Example
- This month, we will witness a blue moon, which is the second full moon of the month.
B2Astronomy
(technical)The third full moon in a season that has four full moons.
Example
- According to the traditional definition, a blue moon is the third full moon in a season with four full moons.
B1Idiomatic
(informal)An event that occurs very rarely.
Example
- I only see him once in a blue moon, so it's always a special occasion.
C1Atmospheric
(technical)The moon appearing bluish due to atmospheric conditions like dust or smoke.
Example
- After the volcanic eruption, we experienced a blue moon caused by the particles in the atmosphere.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "blue moon":
full moonold moonnew moonyoung moonharvest moonmoon unitfingernail moonclair de lunemoon blindnessshoot the moonmoon shot