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

In addition to the timetable, a world map (Mercator projection) is provided, showing the region where the occultation will be visible. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025

In some regions across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, the moon will pass directly in front of Venus — a rare event called a lunar occultation, Star Walk said in a Facebook post. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Here comes the public bathroom again: a counter-place where private and relational dimension mingle, where the visible challenges the invisible, where decency collides with guilty pleasure and exposure flirts with occultation. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025

The third one was new to me – It’s called radio occultation. —John Werner, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025

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