superior conjunction

noun

: a conjunction of a planet with the sun in which the sun is aligned between the earth and the planet

Examples of superior conjunction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mercury was in superior conjunction (i.e. behind the sun) on January 30th and is now moving eastward away from the sun. Scientific American, 29 Jan. 2019 On the morning of the 26th, Venus will be passing on the far side of the sun as seen from the Earth in a process called called superior conjunction. Joe Mario Pedersen, orlandosentinel.com, 28 Feb. 2021 On this day, Venus will be directly behind the sun as seen from Earth, putting it in what astronomers call superior conjunction. Andrew Fazekas, National Geographic, 1 Aug. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1717, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superior conjunction was in 1717

Dictionary Entries Near superior conjunction

Cite this Entry

“Superior conjunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superior%20conjunction. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

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