occultation

noun

oc·​cul·​ta·​tion ˌä-(ˌ)kəl-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the state of being hidden from view or lost to notice

2

: the interruption of the light from a celestial body or of the signals from a spacecraft by the intervention of a celestial body

especially : an eclipse of a star or planet by the moon

Examples of occultation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This result would not have been possible without the dedication of dozens of volunteer occultation observers around the world. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2026

Known as stellar occultations, such movements enable scientists to measure an asteroid’s direct position, speed and shape. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026

Revitalization After using solarization or occultation to sanitize your soil, rejuvenate it by amending it with organic matter. —Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 28 Feb. 2026

To reach the new conclusions, a team of researchers analyzed Juno's radio occultation data, which essentially allows the spacecraft to peer through Jupiter's dense clouds in order to understand the planet's internal structure. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English occultacion, borrowed from Latin occultātiōn-, occultātiō "concealment, interruption of light from a celestial body," from occultāre "to prevent from being seen, conceal, keep secret" + -tiōn- -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at occult entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for occultation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation