Diurnal

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: daɪˈɜː(ɹ).nəɫ
• US IPA: /daɪˈɝ.nÉ™l/Rhymes: -ɜː(r)nÉ™l

Origin

From Latin diurnālis, from diēs ("day"). Cognate with journal.

Full definition of diurnal

Adjective

1. Happening or occurring during daylight, or primarily active during that time.Most birds are diurnal.
• ShakespeareEre twice the horses of the sun shall bring
  Their fiery torcher his diurnal ring.
2. (botany) Said of a flower open, or releasing its perfume during daylight hours, but not at night.
3. Having a daily cycle that is completed every 24 hours, usually referring to tasks, processes, tides, or sunrise to sunset.
4. (uncommon) Done once every day; daily, quotidian.
5. (archaic) Published daily.

Synonyms

• (having a daily cycle) circadian biology

Antonyms

• (happening or active during the day) nocturnal, nightly
• (active or open during the day) nocturnal

Coordinate terms

• (active or open during the day) crepuscular

Noun

1. A flower that opens only in the day.
2. (Catholicism) A book containing canonical offices performed during the day, hence not matins.
3. (archaic) A diary or journal.
• 1663, Hudibras, by Samuel Butler, part 1,He was by birth, some authors write,
  A Russian, some a Muscovite,
  And 'mong the Cossacks had been bred,
  Of whom we in diurnals read.
4. (archaic) A daily news publication.